Strictly Come Dancing hopeful Maisie Smith has been described as "the BBC's girl" - and execs 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 pubication.
"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."
Maisie, 19, wowed everyone this weekend - and many thought she deserved 10s across the board.
However, her fans were amazed when she failed to receive a full 30 marks for the dazzling display.
The BBC bit back at claims the Albert Square long-server is getting special treatment.
"The suggestion that any of the couples receive preferential treatment is completely untrue and unfounded," they said.
"Maisie has performed her dance in the first half of all couples each week bar one, where she happened to perform last.
"Maisie has taken part in no more media opportunities than any other celebrity."
*Strictly Come Dancing returns Sunday on BBC One
