Strictly Come Dancing was inundated with messages of concern as BBC viewers took to social media with worry about one celebrity contestant. The competition made its long-awaited return to TV screens with its first live show of 2025, after its pre-recorded launch show introduced the star-studded line-up and their professional partners.

However, during Saturday’s glitzy debut, some fans questioned Ellie Goldstein‘s well-being after her trailblazing performance on the dancefloor. Ellie is Strictly’s first-ever contestant with Down syndrome, and alongside pro Vito Coppola, she danced the Cha, Cha, Cha to Yes, And? by Ariana Grande. After their performance, the pair received their scores and joined the rest of the cast on the balcony with host Claudia Winkleman. However, as the episode went on, some fans grew worried for the 23-year-old as one said: “I hope Ellie is okay, she looks so overstimulated.”

A second added: “Ellie looked quite uncomfortable just now, but was impressed by how caring and comforting the Strictly dancers were being with her. That’s wonderful to see.”

“Ellie looks a bit upset so it’s lovely to see Harry and Karen comforting her,” echoed another.

A fourth wrote: “I’m also concerned that Ellie obviously needs so much support from the other dancers #Strictly. Uncomfortable to watch.”

As one Strictly fan commented: “I’m all for diversity and inclusivity, but not when it’s clearly going to be detrimental to the person concerned. Seeing Ellie this upset is so distressing.”

Elsewhere, another viewer praised the duo and added: “I absolutely love Ellie and Vito as a partnership—they have great energy, and they are very supportive and caring.”

“I feel like Ellie and Vito are going to be the ones to watch this year. Vito is a very kind and patient pro and I like how he’s made his Choreo/ training visual for Ellie so she can understand what to do. A really wholesome partnership with great potential,” predicted another.

Following the performance, Ellie and Vito headed to the judging panel for feedback, where their heartwarming bond was made evident. Motsi Mabuse said Ellie’s dance lifted her mood, but she advised the model to keep her feet on the floor to get “stronger.”

Head judge Shirley Ballas highlighted timing issues during the dance but loved Ellie’s “body rhythm” before presenting her with a fan emblazoned with the word “fabulous.”

During the scores, Ellie got three fours from Shirley, Motsi and Craig Revel Horwood, while Anton gave a five for the performance.