NN.THE BALLROOM STOOD STILL — AND THEN BROKE INTO TEARS.It wasn’t just another elimination — it was a moment that stopped hearts across the nation.Ellie Goldstein left Strictly Come Dancing not as a contestant, but as a symbol of courage, grace, and pure light.
A Shocking Halloween Farewell
The ballroom fell silent on Sunday night as Ellie Goldstein became the latest celebrity to leave Strictly Come Dancing — after losing a nail-biting dance-off to EastEnders star Balvinder Sopal, who has now survived her third elimination battle.
Ellie and her professional partner Vito Coppola performed their haunting Tango to Lady Gaga’s “Abracadabra” one last time, while Balvinder and Julian Caillon countered with a heartfelt Rumba to “Stay” by Shakespears Sister.
When the music stopped, the judges — Anton Du Beke, Craig Revel Horwood, and Motsi Mabuse — were unanimous: Balvinder would stay. Head Judge Shirley Ballas, who held the casting vote this week, agreed, but praised Ellie’s “outstanding journey” throughout the competition.
Ellie’s Heartfelt Goodbye
Fighting back tears, Ellie said softly:
“I’ve enjoyed it so much. Vito is such a kind person — exactly what I hoped for from day one.”
Her partner Vito, visibly emotional, then turned to her with words that moved the entire studio:
“There are no words to describe how proud I am of you. You’ve changed my life. I asked the universe to send me an angel — and it sent me you. I’ve never had a little sister before, but now I do. You’re my sister forever.”
The audience erupted in applause as the two embraced, promising to keep dancing together beyond the show.
A Night of Music, Magic, and Memories
Sunday’s results show opened with a haunting performance of “How To Be Human” by Celebrity Traitors star Cat Burns, celebrating her new album release.
Professional dancers Michelle Tsiakkas and Nancy Xu accompanied her with a mesmerizing contemporary routine, followed by a fiery “Monsters’ Ball” group performance from the Strictly professionals.
The Halloween-themed episode proved to be one of the most emotional and theatrical nights of the season — equal parts glamour and ghostly grandeur.
Looking Ahead: Nine Couples Remain
With Ellie and Vito’s departure, nine couples remain in the competition. Strictly Come Dancing returns next weekend on BBC One and BBC iPlayer — the live show airing Saturday, November 8 at 6:25pm, followed by the results show on Sunday, November 9 at 7:10pm.
Next week’s elimination will feature a special performance by the Band of the Royal Air Force Regiment to honor Remembrance Sunday.
Halloween Highlights: A Perfect 40!
Saturday’s spooky special also delivered a historic moment — Lewis Cope and Katya Jones earned the first perfect 40 of the series with their jaw-dropping Couple’s Choice routine to a fast remix of Radiohead’s “Creep.”
Lewis, who grew up in Hartlepool as one of 13 siblings, left home at just 10 years old to pursue performing arts in London. His emotional backstory, paired with his fearless choreography, moved both the judges and viewers to tears.
Motsi Mabuse called the performance “out of this world,” while Anton Du Beke declared it “the best of the series by a million miles.” Even Craig Revel Horwood, famous for his strict scoring, lifted his 10 paddle — giving the pair the first full marks of the season.
One Journey Ends, Another Begins
As the glitter settled on the dance floor, Ellie Goldstein’s graceful exit reminded viewers of what makes Strictly Come Dancing so special — the courage to step out, the beauty of connection, and the bittersweet magic of saying goodbye.
Next week, the competition intensifies — and with Balvinder Sopal proving she’s the comeback queen of the season, anything can happen under the glitterball.
