Ellie Goldstein

English Model, Actress, Gucci Beauty Trailblazer, Vogue Cover Star & Disability Inclusion Advocate

Ellie Goldstein’s Biography:

Ellie Goldstein is an English model, actress, author and inclusion advocate, widely recognised as a powerful and uplifting keynote speaker. She is best known as the first model with Down syndrome to appear on the cover of Vogue and the first model with a disability to front a Gucci Beauty campaign, achievements that placed her at the centre of a global conversation around representation. As a speaker, Ellie combines lived experience with confidence and warmth, delivering talks that inspire audiences to rethink assumptions, embrace difference and believe in what is possible.

Born in Ilford, London, Ellie was raised in a supportive family environment and faced significant challenges from birth, including undergoing heart surgery as a baby. Doctors told her family she may never walk or talk, yet from an early age Ellie showed resilience, determination and a love of performing. She went on to study Performing Arts at New City College, where her confidence grew both on stage and in front of an audience. These formative years shaped her voice as a communicator and laid the foundations for her future career in modelling, television and public speaking.

Ellie began modelling professionally at 15 after being signed by Zebedee Management, a specialist agency representing diverse talent. Her breakthrough moment came when she was discovered by Gucci and Vogue Italia, leading to a landmark beauty campaign that redefined industry norms. Since then, Ellie has worked with globally recognised brands including Nike, Adidas, ASOS, Vodafone and Superdrug, and has become a familiar face on British television, appearing on Good Morning Britain, Loose Women and This Morning. She expanded her creative career further as an author, publishing her autobiography ‘Against All Odds’, followed by a children’s book celebrating inclusivity and confidence. In 2025, Ellie reached new heights by starring as Nancy Maher in the BBC series Malory Towers, earning a Children’s and Family Emmy Award nomination, appearing on The Great Stand Up to Cancer Bake Off, and making history as the first contestant with Down syndrome on Strictly Come Dancing.

Why Hire Ellie Goldstein?

As a keynote speaker, Ellie Goldstein is booked by organisations seeking honesty, inspiration and genuine impact. She speaks on inclusion, disability representation, resilience, confidence and challenging stereotypes, topics that resonate strongly with businesses, educators and community leaders. Ellie’s talks are engaging, optimistic and grounded in real experience, offering audiences practical perspective alongside emotional connection. She leaves people energised, inspired and more open to creating inclusive cultures where everyone is given the opportunity to thrive.

Ellie Goldstein’s Career Highlights:

Here are some of the key milestones that define Ellie Goldstein’s inspirational modelling and acting career:

• 2025 – Children’s and Family Emmy Award Nomination for Outstanding Supporting Performer
• 2025 – First contestant with Down syndrome on Strictly Come Dancing (Series 23)
• 2025 – BBC acting debut as Nancy Maher in Malory Towers
• 2025 – Contestant on The Great Stand Up to Cancer Bake Off
• 2023 – Published autobiography ‘Against All Odds’
• 2020 – First model with Down syndrome to front a Gucci Beauty campaign
• 2020 – First model with Down syndrome to appear on the cover of Vogue