Drama unfolds – First ever Down syndrome contestant joins Strictly as Dani Dyer makes mystery appearance. Details that change everything — keep reading.
Could the line-up secrets be out of the bag?
Rumoured Strictly Come Dancing contestant Dani Dyer has reportedly been ‘spotted’ attending rehearsals as the show ‘signs up’ its first-ever contestant with Down syndrome.
Last weekend, it was announced by the BBC that the 2025 series had welcomed two new pro dancers. Previously, it had also been confirmed that all four panelists — Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, Motsi Mabuse, and Craig Revel Horwood — would be returning.
However, the line-up of celebrities taking part is still to be confirmed. But the secret that Dani will be appearing has apparently been spilled, as has the news that Ellie Goldstein will also be waltzing onto the dancefloor…
Will Ellie be dancing into the Strictly ballroom this autumn? (Credit: Splash News)
Strictly 2025: Ellie Goldstein ‘signs up’
If the rumours are true, Essex-born Ellie, 23, will be the first contestant with Down syndrome to take part in a full Strictly series, after CBeebies presenter George Webster performed in the 2022 Christmas special.
A source told The Sun: “Ellie is thrilled to be taking part in Strictly. She has broken down so many barriers in her career, from modelling for Gucci to being the first model with Down syndrome to appear on the cover of Vogue.
“Ellie can’t wait to get started on the show and show people what she can do.”
The source added: “The BBC loves to push boundaries and break stigmas so having Ellie agree to take part is something they are incredibly proud of. Ellie is a fantastic signing and they think she could go all the way.”
Ellie herself has expressed an interest in the BBC dance show in the past. She has said: “My absolute favourite thing in the world is dancing. One day I would love to be on Strictly Come Dancing.”
Dani was reportedly seen attending Elstree recently, where Strictly is filmed (Credit: Splashnews.com)
Dani Dyer for Strictly Come Dancing 2025?
Meanwhile, Dani Dyer is also said to be on the line-up.
While sharing on Reddit, one person wrote: “My daughter’s a receptionist at Elstree and was super excited that she saw Dani Dyer at the studio yesterday. Something to do with Strictly??”
Elstree Studios is where the show is filmed every weekend. Despite no confirmation, fans of the show appeared happy with the idea of the former Love Island star on the bill.
“I’ve heard her name floating around so that’s brill news,” an excited user replied. “So exciting it’s that time of the year again!!!!” another shared.
“She is rumoured actually! I guess she will be on it, she’ll be good,” a third remarked.
ED reached out to the BBC for comment, who said: “We don’t comment on speculation.”
Dani has been rumoured to be on the show several times (Credit: Splashnews.com)
‘The BBC are desperate to make it work’
Over the past month, Dani has been heavily rumoured to have signed up for this year’s series. The speculation began soon after she got married to footballer Jarrod Bowen.
“Dani is still on cloud nine after her wedding, but once she’s back from her honeymoon, she wants to concentrate on her career. She’s thrilled to be in the running for Strictly. For her, it means she’s finally shaken off her Love Island tag,” a source told Heat.
“She hasn’t signed anything yet, but is in late stage talks – and her and the BBC are desperate to make it work.”
