Ellie Goldstein's Journey: Overcoming Limitations Through Belief and Support

Deep Dive

The discussion begins with an overview of Ellie Goldstein's remarkable achievements, highlighting her journey from being told she would never walk or talk to dancing on "Strictly Come Dancing" and appearing on the cover of Vogue. Ellie's mother, Yvonne, then shares the powerful and emotional story of Ellie's birth, recounting the difficult hospital experience and the insensitive remarks made by a nurse.

The conversation then shifts to Ellie's experience on "Strictly Come Dancing," with Ellie expressing her love for the spray tans and the overall experience. Her close relationship with her dance partner, Vito, is explored, with both Ellie and Yvonne describing him as family and highlighting the genuine bond they formed. The emotional impact of a video message from Vito is also touched upon, bringing tears to Ellie's eyes.

Moving on, the podcast revisits Ellie's time on "Strictly," focusing on her resilience in dealing with judges' comments, noting that while there were constructive criticisms, the support from the production team was exceptional. A surprise gift from "Strictly" is revealed: the exact dress Ellie wore for one of her dances, which she plans to wear to training, much to her mother's playful dismay.

The discussion then transitions to Ellie's modeling career, detailing her initial struggles with agencies before her breakthrough. Yvonne recounts the story of Ellie's first modeling shoot, where her potential was immediately recognized. Ellie's extensive modeling work is highlighted, including campaigns for Gucci, Adidas, and a cover for Vogue, which Yvonne describes as a surreal and dream-come-true moment.

The conversation then shifts to Ellie's celebrity encounters, specifically her meeting with Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande at an event. Ellie recounts how the stars approached her, emphasizing that despite her fame, she remains grounded and doesn't feel added pressure. Her multifaceted career as a dancer, model, actress, and author is acknowledged.

The topic of Ellie's books is introduced, with Yvonne explaining how a suggestion from Katie Piper led to Ellie co-authoring books. The process involved a ghostwriter and contributions from family members and teachers, offering various perspectives on Ellie's life. The intention behind the books is to inspire young people with learning disabilities to pursue their dreams.

Yvonne then elaborates on the difficult circumstances surrounding Ellie's birth in 2001. She describes the medical complications, the prolonged period of not knowing Ellie's condition, and the insensitive way the news of Ellie having Down syndrome was delivered. Yvonne shares her initial fears and the emotional toll of being told Ellie might not survive or thrive.

The discussion delves into Down syndrome statistics and the need for better support for new parents. Yvonne expresses her desire for more compassionate and informative guidance from healthcare professionals, emphasizing the importance of emotional support and education rather than just providing leaflets.

The conversation then moves to Ellie's health journey, including a significant open-heart surgery at five months old. Yvonne recounts the anxiety of that period and the long operation, highlighting Ellie's strength and resilience. The topic of staples being found years later, a detail unknown to Ellie and her family at the time, underscores the communication gaps in healthcare.

Yvonne reflects on how her mother's unwavering belief in Ellie's well-being, despite the medical challenges, was crucial. The conversation touches upon Ellie's high level of resilience, a characteristic often associated with individuals with Down syndrome, and how Ellie's own self-acceptance, famously expressed as "I'm perfect," has been a driving force.

The podcast explores the concept of role models, with Ellie stating she sees herself more as an advocate. She shares a message for young people pursuing their dreams: to follow their path, be confident, and be happy. Ellie's role as an ambassador for Mencap, a learning disability charity, is also highlighted, with Yvonne explaining the "Mythbusters" initiative aimed at dispelling misconceptions.

The episode concludes with reflections on the impact of Ellie's visibility in media, particularly her participation in "Strictly Come Dancing," which has helped to challenge public perceptions of Down syndrome. The hosts express gratitude for the conversation, acknowledging the eye-opening nature of learning about Ellie's experiences and the importance of inclusivity.