Maisie Smith in fix row after Strictly fans realise she’s had professional dance training

MAISIE Smith’s Strictly Come Dancing journey has started off on the wrong foot as fans realise she’s already had professional dance training.

The 19-year-old EastEnders actress this week admitted she’s had training in hip hop and street, in addition to already winning Strictly’s Children In Need 2019 special thanks to a cha-cha with Kevin Clifton.

 

Despite Maisie insisting her win was a “fluke” and she has zero “technical ability” viewers aren’t convinced.

One took to Twitter to rant: “I really like Maisie but not only is she professionally trained already, but she was also trained by Strictly professionals themselves for a Children in Need special.

“As is the case every year, some contestants are given a head start against the others and that isn’t fair.”

Another posted: “This year the professional dancers are the celebrity’s, definitely time for this show to end.”

The EastEnders actress, who won the BBC Children In Need version of the show, had admitted she has dance experience

Yet the teen says her dance experience does not translate into technical ability

Some fans believe Maisie has an unfair advantage on Strictly because of her training

A Strictly Come Dancing viewer then added: “She already won Children in Need and can dance already not my fave. I like people who have to learn to dance.”

One then concluded: “Hoping someone else wins, who is not trained or had a go before.”

It’s a debate which rumbles on every season of Strictly, with popstars such as Ashley Roberts, Louise Redknapp and Alesha Dixon all deemed to have been at an advantage in previous series due to their performance and dance experience.

Tiffany Butcher actress Maisie was candid about her dance history on This Morning and said: “I’m not going to lie, I’ve got dancing experience.

She is much loved by soap fans for her role as Tiffany Butcher in EastEnders

“I’ve done a bit of hip-hop and street dance throughout my time but I have no technical ability at all.

“But who knows, I could be the dark horse.”

Maisie is part of a reduced Strictly Come Dancing line-up for 2020 which also includes former labour politician Jacqui Smith, MIC star Jamie Laing, YouTube star HRVY, comedian Bill Bailey and former Royal Marine JJ Chalmers.

They will be joined by BBC Radio 1 DJ Clara Amfo, boxer Nicola Adams, GMB presenter Ranvir Singh, actress Caroline Quentin, former NBA star Jason Bell and The Wanted singer Max George.