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Ellie Goldstein – Complete Biography and Career Facts

William Cooper • 2026-07-08 • Reviewed by Sofia Lindberg

Ellie Goldstein is a British model, actress, and author who has shattered long‑standing barriers in fashion and entertainment. Born with Down syndrome, she became the first model with the condition to appear on the cover of British Vogue and has since fronted global campaigns for Gucci, Adidas, Nike, and many other major brands. Her career also includes a role in the BBC children’s series Malory Towers, a celebrated appearance on Strictly Come Dancing, and a wax figure at Madame Tussauds London.

Goldstein’s journey from a prognosis that predicted she would never walk or speak to becoming a trailblazer in inclusive media has made her a powerful advocate for disability representation. She is also the author of two books and an ambassador for Mattel’s first Barbie doll with Down syndrome.

Who Is Ellie Goldstein? Biography & Background

🎂
Age
23 (born Dec 18, 2001)
📸
Profession
Model, Actress, Author

Known For
First Down syndrome model on Vogue cover
🏆
Notable Appearance
Strictly Come Dancing 2023 Christmas Special
  • Goldstein is a pioneer in inclusive fashion, breaking barriers for people with Down syndrome in mainstream media.
  • Her role in Malory Towers and her appearance on Strictly Come Dancing expanded representation in children’s television and dance entertainment.
  • The Madame Tussauds wax figure cements her status as a cultural icon and a symbol of progress.
  • Despite public curiosity, her personal life – including her family and any children – remains mostly private, which sometimes leads to misinformation.
  • She has published two books: an autobiography and a children’s book promoting inclusion.
Field Details
Full Name Ellie Jade Goldstein
Date of Birth December 18, 2001
Age (2025) 23
Nationality British
Education New City College Redbridge Campus (Performing Arts)
Notable Achievements First Down syndrome model on Vogue cover, Emmy nominee, Madame Tussauds wax figure
Social Media Instagram: @elliejg16_zebedeemodel

How old is Ellie Goldstein and what is her full name?

Ellie Goldstein’s full name is Ellie Jade Goldstein. She was born on December 18, 2001, which makes her 23 years old as of 2025. According to BBC News, she was born in Essex, England, to a Jewish family.

Who is Ellie Goldstein’s sister?

Search queries often ask about Ellie Goldstein’s sister. Based on keyword clusters and public references, her sister is named Amy. However, details about Amy are not extensively documented in major interviews or biographies, and the relationship has not been officially confirmed on her Wikipedia page or through mainstream media profiles.

Where did Ellie Goldstein go to school?

Goldstein studied Performing Arts at New City College Redbridge Campus (NCC London), a programme that helped launch her modelling and acting career. Her college story is featured on the NCC London website, which describes her success with brands such as Gucci, Adidas, and ASOS.

Ellie Goldstein’s Career: Modeling, Acting & Author

What is Ellie Goldstein famous for in modeling?

Ellie Goldstein is best known as the first model with Down syndrome to feature on the cover of British Vogue (May 2023). That landmark appearance was preceded by her starring role in Gucci’s Unconventional Beauty campaign in 2020, which catapulted her to global fame. Her portfolio also includes campaigns for Nike, Adidas, ASOS, Superdrug, and Vodafone. Mencap, the learning disability charity for which she is a mythbuster, confirms these collaborations.

Industry milestone

Goldstein was awarded the Gamechanging Model Award at Glamour’s Women of the Year ceremony in 2021, recognising her impact on the fashion industry.

Did Ellie Goldstein appear on Strictly Come Dancing?

Yes, Ellie Goldstein participated in the 2023 Christmas Special of the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing. She danced with professional partner Nikita Kuzmin and received widespread praise for her performance. The BBC’s official programme page for the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special 2023 lists her as a contestant.

What role did Ellie Goldstein play in Malory Towers?

Goldstein played Millicent Shaw in the BBC children’s series Malory Towers (2020–2021). The show, based on Enid Blyton’s books, features her in a recurring role. The BBC’s Malory Towers cast page confirms her involvement.

Has Ellie Goldstein written a book?

Yes, Ellie Goldstein is a published author. Her autobiography, Against All Odds, was released in 2023 and details her life journey and the barriers she broke. In 2024 she published a children’s book titled Ellie, which teaches children that they are not defined by differences or disabilities. Both books are referenced in her diversity speaker biography.

Ellie Goldstein’s Personal Life: Family and Notable Facts

Does Ellie Goldstein have a baby?

As of early 2025, there is no confirmed information that Ellie Goldstein has a baby. The search query “Ellie Goldstein baby” likely stems from confusion with other celebrities or unsubstantiated rumours. None of the reliable sources – including her Wikipedia page, Mencap profile, or major media interviews – mention a child.

Is there a statue of Ellie Goldstein?

In 2022 a wax figure of Ellie Goldstein was unveiled at Madame Tussauds London, making her the first person with Down syndrome to have a wax figure at the famous museum. The attraction’s official wax figure page confirms the installation.

Social media presence

Ellie Goldstein is active on Instagram under the handle @elliejg16_zebedeemodel, where she has more than 139,000 followers. Her Instagram bio describes her as “Model | Dancer | Actor | Author | Strictly Come Dancing | Emmy Nominee | Malory Towers.”

Where does Ellie Goldstein live?

She is based in London but recently bought her own home in Essex with proceeds from modelling. According to a BBC News feature, her parents are encouraging her independence while still supporting her.

Ellie Goldstein’s Achievements and Impact

What major awards has Ellie Goldstein received?

Goldstein has received several accolades. In 2021 she won Glamour’s Gamechanging Model Award. She also received an Emmy nomination for her role in Malory Towers, though the exact category and date of that nomination are not widely documented. In 2023 Mattel launched its first Barbie doll with Down syndrome, naming Goldstein as an ambassador.

Why is Ellie Goldstein considered a trailblazer?

She is celebrated for normalising Down syndrome in mainstream fashion and entertainment. Her work with Mencap as a mythbuster amplifies her advocacy, and her collaborations with luxury brands have demonstrated that diversity strengthens the industry. All American Speakers describes her as a powerful disability advocate and role model.

Fact check needed

Some online searches imply that Ellie Goldstein has a child or is married. Based on available verified information, these claims are not supported by any credible source and should be treated as speculation.

Timeline: Ellie Goldstein’s Career Milestones

  1. 2001 – Born on December 18 in Essex, England.
  2. 2020 – Featured on the cover of British Vogue; becomes first model with Down syndrome to appear on its cover.
  3. 2020–2021 – Plays Millicent Shaw in the BBC series Malory Towers.
  4. 2022 – Publishes autobiography Against All Odds; wax figure unveiled at Madame Tussauds London.
  5. 2023 – Participates in the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special; becomes ambassador for Mattel’s Down syndrome Barbie.
  6. 2024 – Releases children’s book Ellie; continues modelling campaigns with Nike, Gucci, and other brands.

What Do We Know for Certain About Ellie Goldstein?

Established information Information that remains unclear
Born on December 18, 2001 (documented in multiple sources including Wikipedia). Whether she has a baby – no credible source confirms this; the query may stem from rumour.
First model with Down syndrome on a Vogue cover (widely reported). Her sister’s name – hinted at as “Amy” but not officially confirmed on Wikipedia or in major interviews.
Has a wax figure at Madame Tussauds London (confirmed by official sources). Exact details of her Emmy nomination (category, date) – reported but not widely detailed beyond “Emmy nominee” in her bio.
Participated in Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special 2023 (confirmed by BBC). Net worth – not publicly disclosed; estimates vary.

Why Ellie Goldstein’s Story Matters

Ellie Goldstein’s rise to fame coincides with a broader societal push for diversity and inclusion in fashion and media after 2020. Her collaborations with brands like Gucci and Nike signal a shift in luxury and sportswear industries toward authentic representation. The persistent search for “Ellie Goldstein baby” highlights a tendency to sensationalise the personal lives of public figures, especially those with disabilities, which can spread misinformation. Her advocacy work with Mencap and her own books directly counter such narratives by focusing on ability and achievement.

What Do the Sources Say About Ellie Goldstein?

“Ellie Jade Goldstein (born December 18, 2001) is an English model and actress. She was the first model with Down syndrome to feature on the cover of Vogue.”

– Wikipedia

“Ellie Goldstein is a model who has appeared in numerous campaigns for brands like Nike, Gucci, Vodafone and Superdrug.”

– Mencap

“Ellie now 22, studied Performing Arts and has gone on to work for brands such as Gucci, Adidas and ASOS.”

– NCC London

What’s Next for Ellie Goldstein?

Goldstein continues to walk Fashion Week catwalks and perform in commercials and TV. She is in her final year of performing arts college and has filmed a Channel 4 documentary about Zebedee Talent set to air in 2026. Her influence is expected to grow through speaking engagements and further media appearances. For more on her journey, see the Ellie Goldstein biography on All American Speakers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ellie Goldstein

What is Ellie Goldstein’s Instagram handle?

@elliejg16_zebedeemodel

Where did Ellie Goldstein study?

New City College Redbridge Campus (Performing Arts).

Is Ellie Goldstein married?

There is no public information indicating she is married as of 2025.

How tall is Ellie Goldstein?

Approximately 1.52 m (5 ft 0 in) based on general reports, though exact height is not officially confirmed.

What is Ellie Goldstein’s net worth?

Not publicly disclosed; estimates vary but she is a working model and actress.

Did Ellie Goldstein win an Emmy?

She received an Emmy nomination for her role in Malory Towers, but the category and outcome are not widely detailed.

What brand was Ellie Goldstein’s first big campaign?

Her first major campaign was Superdrug’s Christmas advert in 2018, after joining Zebedee Talent.

Does Ellie Goldstein have a wax figure?

Yes, a wax figure of her was unveiled at Madame Tussauds London in 2022.


Additional sources

vozcentral.org

William Cooper

About the author

William Cooper

Our desk combines breaking updates with clear and practical explainers.