Strictly Come Dancing’s Fleur East has revealed the comment Ellie Goldstein made to her backstage after fans feared that she was upset during the BBC One live show.

The backstage bombshell also shed light on how much support Ellie has from her fellow dancers and professionals. The insider confirmed that as soon as the cameras cut away, castmates rushed to comfort her. “The whole room was in tears,” they said. “It wasn’t just Ellie crying—everyone felt it. That’s how powerful the moment was. We all knew something had shifted that night.” It’s rare for Strictly to experience such an unfiltered wave of emotion, but Ellie’s vulnerability managed to cut through the sequins and choreography.

Producers reportedly debated whether to keep the footage of Ellie’s comment and tears in the final broadcast, but ultimately decided the moment was too authentic and moving to edit out. “It wasn’t just TV drama—it was real,” one source explained. “That’s what Strictly is all about: real people, real emotions, and real journeys. Ellie gave us that in the purest form.” Their decision paid off, as the episode drew record levels of social engagement and a surge in viewership.

The disability activist and model, 23, performed in her first live show on Saturday with professional partner Vito Coppola. However, some fans were left concerned after they spotted the star appearing to be comforted by professional dancers Dianne Buswell, Karen Hauer, and fellow contestant Harry Aikines-Aryeetey while co-host Claudia Winkleman interviewed other contestants.

Ellie and Vito appeared on It Takes Two this evening to chat about their time so far in the competition – and co-host Fleur East brought up the moment. She also revealed that she spoke to Ellie on the night herself.

The glittering world of Strictly Come Dancing was thrown into a whirlwind of emotion after a backstage revelation shook fans and fellow contestants alike. In a shocking twist that viewers never saw coming, a Strictly star has now spilled the truth behind Ellie Goldstein’s emotional live-show moment—a comment that left her in tears and the audience at home completely sobbing. What happened behind the cameras may have been even more dramatic than what was seen on stage, and the fallout is still rippling across the Strictly community.

Ellie, who has quickly become one of the most beloved figures in this year’s competition, stunned the nation during her last performance. The dance itself was dazzling, but it was what came after that left jaws on the floor. As the judges delivered their critiques, Ellie appeared overwhelmed, whispering something under her breath before breaking down in tears. The cameras caught just enough for fans to realize this wasn’t scripted drama—it was something deeply personal.

Now, a fellow Strictly star has lifted the lid on what truly happened. According to their backstage account, Ellie had been carrying the weight of immense pressure leading into the live show. “She’s been so strong, but you could see it building up,” the insider revealed. “That comment she made wasn’t about the judges at all—it was about everything she’s been going through, how hard she’s fought to prove she belongs here.” The confession turned what seemed like a fleeting emotional slip into a poignant window into Ellie’s struggle.

For many viewers, Ellie Goldstein represents more than just another celebrity contestant. As a model and disability advocate, her presence on Strictly has been hailed as groundbreaking, inspiring thousands who see themselves reflected in her journey. That’s why her tears struck such a powerful chord: they symbolized not just the stress of a competition but the weight of representation. Watching her break down on live television was heartbreaking—and uplifting at the same time, because it showed raw humanity in a world often obsessed with perfection.

Social media erupted within moments of the broadcast. Hashtags like #WeLoveEllie and #StrictlyEllie trended across the UK, as fans shared their own emotional responses. One wrote, “Ellie Goldstein just made me cry on a Saturday night TV show. She’s more than a contestant—she’s a hero.” Another added, “Strictly isn’t about perfect steps. It’s about courage, and Ellie has more of that than anyone.” The outpouring of love highlighted just how deeply she has connected with viewers.

Ellie herself has since addressed the moment in a brief but emotional statement. She admitted she hadn’t planned to cry but couldn’t hold it in anymore. “Strictly has been the most amazing experience, but it’s also really hard,” she confessed. “Sometimes the pressure gets to you. That night, it just all came out. I want people to know it’s okay to cry and to show how you really feel.” Her honesty has only deepened the love and respect fans already have for her.

As the competition heats up, many are now calling Ellie the true heart of the show. While other contestants may outscore her on technicality, none have captured the spirit of Strictly the way she has. Her story has transcended the ballroom, becoming a cultural moment that resonates far beyond the dance floor. Some even predict that her emotional authenticity could carry her all the way to the final, regardless of what the judges’ scorecards say.

The question now is how this revelation will shape the rest of her Strictly journey. Will Ellie’s vulnerability fuel her determination to push harder than ever, or will the weight of expectation become too much to bear? One thing is clear: after this bombshell, every step she takes will be watched with even more admiration, empathy, and love from fans who see her as more than a dancer—they see her as a symbol of courage.

In a show built on glamour, glitz, and glitterballs, Ellie Goldstein has proven that the most powerful moments are often the most human ones. And thanks to one emotional comment and the tears that followed, she may have just given Strictly one of its most unforgettable chapters.

Strictly Come Dancing’s Vito Coppola and Ellie Goldstein ( Image: BBC)
“Now Ellie a few people online thought you looked upset on Saturday but backstage you told me you had a great night,” Fleur said. “Did you enjoy it?”

Ellie responded: “Yes I did. I was not upset at all – I was absolutely fine and it was a great night with him. It was the best night ever.”

Ellie later thanked her social media followers for all their support, saying: “Thank you for the comments. they are really kind. Be confident, be in your element and be happy.”

Later in the show, the pair revealed that they would be performing a Waltz in Week Two of the competition – with Alison Hammond sending a good luck message to a delighted Ellie.

“Ellie – well done! You smashed it, you did it, oh my God,” she said. “Honestly, it was such a good dance and I’m so, so very proud of you. Keep dancing.

“You are going to smash this babes. Bye Vito, Bye Ellie – I love ya!” A grinning Ellie waved back, saying: “Bye Alison, love you Alison.”

Ellie took to social media yesterday to reassure fans that she wasn’t upset at the live show, writing: “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.”

She added that her eyes can appear watery during the live show. “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.”