Strictly Come Dancing hopeful Maisie Smith has confessed that her hours of gruelling dance training have left her feeling more confident than ever before.
The 19-year-old EastEnders star admitted she’s battled insecurities about her body for years but has now found a new lease of self-love thanks to the BBC show.
Maisie, who is famed for playing Tiffany Butcher on the BBC soap, told how she’s embracing her new-found sex appeal and even thanked her fellow dancing stars for making her feel good about skimpy outfits.
"Being on Strictly has really boosted my confidence. I've worked really hard the past seven weeks and I've got fitter,” Maisie told the Daily Star Sunday.
"Also, I've been around really lovely people. I've spoken about my lack of confidence with a few of the other contestants. I spoke to Clara about it and she really helped me with it all.
"This time a year ago, I wouldn't have felt comfortable wearing the [Strictly] costumes. They're all absolutely crazy."
It’s all change now though as Maisie posts snaps of her incredible abs and toned thighs while wearing tight-fitting gym clothes on social media.
Maisie’s body confidence confession comes as BBC execs are said to be ploughing support behind the soap star as they see her having a huge future.
Show insiders say bosses desperately want her in the final despite the public's lukewarm reaction to the actress.
A source even claims she is being given a leg up, which has been denied by the corporation.
The Mail on Sunday source reckons the EastEnders star is being looked after - and those in charge see her as a huge star of the future.
Strictly fans were wowed by Maisie's latest routine on Saturday night.
The teen performed an energetic jive to Little Shop Of Horrors with professional dance partner Gorka Marquez.
But it is suggested that fellow stars have raise eyebrows over the volume of publicity she is getting.
"There are a lot of people involved with Strictly who felt that there was some preferential treatment going on," a show insider told the publication.
"Maisie is the BBC’s girl. She has grown up on EastEnders and as the daughter of Bianca, one of their most iconic characters, is very important to them.
"They view her as a big star."
