Strictly Come Dancing star Ellie Goldstein has revealed the real reason she broke down in tears after making her debut on the BBC competition on Saturday night. 

Fans have voiced their concerns for the model and actress, 23, as the ‘upset’ star appeared to be comforted by professional dancers on the first live show.

Ellie, who is paired in this year’s competition with pro Vito Coppola and is already a favourite with fans, is the show’s first ever contestant with Down syndrome.

She wowed the judges as she performed a cha-cha-cha to Yes, And? by Ariana Grande – earning 17 points in the first show.

But later on in the show as host Claudia Winkleman spoke to a La Voix and Aljaž Škorjanec about their routine, Ellie appeared to get upset.

She was supported by professional dancers Dianne Buswell, Karen Hauer and contestant Harry Aikines-Aryeetey who put their arms around her and looked to be quietly speaking to her.

Strictly Come Dancing star Ellie Goldstein has revealed the real reason she broke down in tears after making her debut on the Strictly dance floor

Strictly fans have voiced their concerns for Ellie Goldstein as the ‘upset’ star appeared to be comforted by professional dancers on the first live show

Ellie has now revealed the real reason she broke down in tears, telling her fans that the concern from viewers ‘meant the world’.

Taking to social media, Ellie posted a photo of herself in her Strictly dress and wrote: ‘Thank you all so much for the incredible love and support!

‘I’m over the moon that so many of you enjoyed watching me dance last night — I’m honestly having the time of my life. This really is a dream come true!

‘I feel so lucky to be surrounded by the most amazing support team: my wonderful family, my agents, the whole Strictly crew, and of course my incredible dance partner Vito. I couldn’t ask for better.

‘Dancing on this stage makes me feel strong, sassy, confident, and completely myself — I’m loving every single minute!

‘Just a little note: sometimes my eyes get watery after a long day — I promise I’m not upset!

‘I’m doing so well and feeling SO happy, and your concern truly means the world.

‘Yes, I have Down syndrome, but it doesn’t define me. Not even close. It’s actually the least interesting thing about me.’

Ellie posted on her Instagram about the real reason she cried following her dance

Taking to social media, Ellie posted a photo of herself in her Strictly dress as she explained why she appeared to be upset on the show

Ellie and pro-partner Vito impressed the judges on Saturday night and scored 17 points

Ahead of Saturday’s first live show Ellie said: ‘Being the first contestant with Down syndrome in the main Strictly series gives me the chance to show everyone who I am, what I’ve achieved, and what I’m capable of’.

‘I hope I can be an inspiration to others watching at home – and most of all, I hope I make people smile and feel happy when they see me dancing!’.

Gucci hired Ellie for its Unconventional Beauty adverts, landing her the cover of Italian Vogue in 2020.

She has graced the covers of numerous magazines, including Elle and Glamour, featured in promotions for Gucci Beauty, Adidas, TK Maxx, Body Shop, Boots, Spotify, Victoria’s Secret and Sports Direct, and even hung in the National Portrait Gallery in London on two occasions.

Ellie has been flown to Sweden, Italy and Germany for photoshoots, and has just strutted her stuff on the catwalk at London Fashion Week.

When Mattel launched its first Barbie with Down’s syndrome, the company hired the star to help promote the doll.

‘I’ve done so much modelling and I love it,’ she previously told Daily Mail.

‘And I adored doing the Barbie job — it was great to finally see a doll that looked like me.’