Ellie Goldstein & Vito Coppola Leave Strictly in Emotional Halloween Week Exit

The dazzling Strictly Come Dancing journey for fan favourites Ellie Goldstein and Vito Coppola has sadly wrapped up, with the pair becoming the fifth couple to leave the competition after an emotional Halloween Week dance-off.

TL;DR: Here's the Scoop

• Ellie Goldstein and professional partner Vito Coppola were eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing on Sunday, November 2, 2025.
• Their departure followed a tense dance-off against Balvinder Sopal and Julian Caillon during Halloween Week.
• Vito shared a deeply moving tribute to Ellie, calling her his "little sister forever," while Ellie's groundbreaking presence on the show inspired countless viewers.

A Heartfelt Farewell: Ellie and Vito's Emotional Last Dance on the Strictly Floor

Well, Strictly fans, grab your tissues! This past Sunday, November 2, 2025, brought an end to one of the most heartwarming and inspiring partnerships on the dancefloor: model and actress Ellie Goldstein, 23, and her incredible professional partner, Vito Coppola, 33. Their journey on Strictly Come Dancing wrapped up after a Halloween-themed tango that, despite all their effort, couldn't save them from the dreaded dance-off.

It was a truly bittersweet moment as Ellie and Vito, who performed a tango to Lady Gaga's "Abracadabra," found themselves competing for survival against EastEnders star Balvinder Sopal, 46, and her partner Julian Caillon, 30. Balvinder and Julian delivered a passionate rumba to Shakespears Sister's "Stay." After both couples performed their routines again, the judges made the tough call, unanimously choosing to save Balvinder and Julian, making Ellie and Vito the fifth pair to be eliminated from the 2025 series.

The Unforgettable Bond: Vito Coppola's Touching Words to Ellie Goldstein

The elimination was tough on everyone, but it was Vito's incredibly emotional message to Ellie that truly had viewers "sobbing," as many took to social media to express. His words weren't just about their dance partnership; they spoke volumes about the deep, pure bond they had formed throughout their time together.

"Honestly, there are no words I can use to describe how proud I am of you, and you did really change my life so much. You made me such a better person. At the beginning of this year, I said to myself ‘Please, please, please can you send me a beautiful angel into my life?’ And now you (have) arrived. I’ve never had a little sister but I always wanted one. Now, I have you and you’re my little sister forever, and your big brother is always by your side."

— Vito Coppola, speaking to Ellie Goldstein

Ellie, clearly touched by his heartfelt sentiment, reciprocated the warmth. "I’ve enjoyed it so much! He is a kind person and all I wanted from day one. You have been so heartwarming, thank you to you (Vito)," she shared. Their genuine affection for each other was palpable, leaving a lasting impression on everyone watching.

Making History and Breaking Barriers: Ellie Goldstein's Trailblazing Strictly Journey

Ellie Goldstein's participation in Strictly Come Dancing wasn't just about learning new dance steps; it was a groundbreaking moment for representation and inclusion. She made history as the first person with Down's syndrome to compete in the main series of the show, and her presence had a profound impact far beyond the ballroom.

Fellow model Beth Matthews, 26, who also has Down's syndrome, beautifully articulated the significance of Ellie's journey. From Swansea, Ms. Matthews said watching Ellie dance made her feel "proud, emotional and joy." She emphasized that Ellie "made history" and was "amazing." Beth's mother, Fiona, echoed these sentiments, noting that Strictly is a "massive TV programme" and Ellie's success could "open new doors" and challenge preconceived notions about people with Down's syndrome.

"A lot of people have a set idea of what people with Down's syndrome are like," Fiona explained. "I always say to anyone with a young child with Down's syndrome to give them hope, and Ellie has given them hope."

Jon Sparkes, chief executive of the learning disability charity Mencap, hailed Ellie as a "Mencap Myth Buster," praising her for showing "what people with a learning disability can achieve when they’re given the spotlight to shine." He also commended Vito for demonstrating that "when we lead with patience and kindness, everyone can be celebrated and included." This powerful message of inclusion and acceptance resonated deeply with audiences across the nation.

Even Head Judge Shirley Ballas, in a touching Instagram tribute, acknowledged Ellie's immense contribution. Shirley described Ellie as "beautiful," "dedicated," and praised her "breathtaking musicality" and "spectacular power and energy." She added, "Vito said it best, we were blessed to witness an angel grace our show. Thank you for sharing your love with us. I feel privileged to have watched you grow each week. This partnership will always hold a place in my heart." Ellie herself took to Instagram to express gratitude for the "love, support and beautiful messages" she received, emphasizing how much "every single comment, message, vote, cheer and encouragement has meant the world" to her.

The Emotional Rollercoaster: How Fans Reacted to Ellie & Vito's Elimination

Social media was awash with emotion following the announcement of Ellie and Vito's exit. Many fans found themselves in tears, a testament to the strong connection the couple had forged with the viewing public. Tweets poured in, praising their "pure bond" and highlighting Ellie's inspirational presence.

One fan perfectly captured the sentiment, saying, "Ellie and Vito have been such a pure bond, It's been a pleasure to watch them." Another emotional viewer wrote, "I'm not crying... Ellie is such a pure soul and it just shows no matter what, you can do anything you put your mind to. Well done Ellie!" The overwhelming feeling was one of pride and admiration for Ellie's journey, even among those who felt the dance-off result was fair.

The camaraderie among the contestants was also highlighted, with one observer noting, "Well that was a very sweet moment. Everyone rallying around Ellie after announcing she's in the dance off. They proper care about each other." It was clear that Ellie's spirit and resilience had touched not only the audience but also her fellow competitors.

Halloween Week Highlights: Beyond the Elimination Drama

While Ellie and Vito's exit was a major talking point, Halloween Week on Strictly Come Dancing was, as always, packed with other memorable moments. This year's spooky spectacular saw the professional dancers kick things off with a captivating "Monsters' Ball" group routine, setting the chilling tone for the night.

The results show also featured a spellbinding performance by The Celebrity Traitors star Cat Burns, who sang her hit song "How to be Human." She was beautifully accompanied by professional dancers Michelle Tsiakkas and Nancy Xu, adding another layer of artistry to the evening.

On the competitive front, actor Lewis Cope and professional dancer Katya Jones achieved the first perfect score of the series, earning a phenomenal 40 points for their couple's choice routine to Radiohead's "Creep." Their performance wowed the judges and demonstrated the incredible talent still left in the competition. Other notable performances included La Voix and Aljaz's powerful paso doble, scoring 35, and Karen and Carlos's "very fucking good" Argentine tango, which earned them a deserved 38.

What's Next for Ellie, Vito, and the Rest of the Strictly Come Dancing Season

Even though their time on the main competition has ended, Ellie and Vito's journey isn't quite over! Fans will be thrilled to know they're set to appear on "Strictly: It Takes Two" on Monday, November 3, 2025, at 6:30 PM on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer. It'll be a chance to hear more from the duo about their incredible experience and look back at some of their best moments.

As for Vito, he's already made a heartwarming vow to continue dancing with Ellie, ensuring their "pure bond" extends beyond the Strictly ballroom. This promise is sure to delight their legion of fans who have cherished every moment of their partnership.

The competition, meanwhile, continues to heat up! The remaining nine couples are gearing up to take to the dancefloor when Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 6:25 PM. The results show will then air on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at 7:10 PM. With Remembrance Sunday approaching, the results show will also feature a special performance by The Band of the Royal Air Force Regiment.

Ellie Goldstein and Vito Coppola may have left the competition, but their legacy of joy, courage, and groundbreaking inclusion will undoubtedly resonate for seasons to come. They've not just danced; they've inspired.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ellie Goldstein's Strictly Journey When did Ellie Goldstein leave Strictly Come Dancing? Ellie Goldstein and Vito Coppola were eliminated on Sunday, November 2, 2025, during the Halloween Week results show. Who was Ellie Goldstein's professional partner on Strictly? Ellie Goldstein's professional dance partner was Vito Coppola. What was significant about Ellie Goldstein's appearance on Strictly? Ellie Goldstein made history as the first person with Down's syndrome to compete in the main series of Strictly Come Dancing, inspiring many with her talent and determination. Where can I watch Ellie and Vito's final interview? Ellie Goldstein and Vito Coppola will appear on "Strictly: It Takes Two" on Monday, November 3, 2025, at 6:30 PM on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer. Sources

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