Strictly Come Dancing bosses have been forced to deny that there a secret behind-the-scenes plot to make sure Maisie Smith makes it to the final.
The BBC has hit back hard at suggestions that Maisie, 19, is being favoured by producers due to the fact she is on BBC soap EastEnders.
Maisie has played the role of Tiffany Butcher-Baker since April 2008.
A show insider claimed to the Mail on Sunday: “There are a lot of people involved with Strictly who felt that there was some preferential treatment going on.
“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 star.”
The BBC have rubbished claims Maisie has an advantage because she is already a BBC employee (Image: BBC/Guy Levy)
Some viewers claimed the fact Maisie and her dancing partner Gorka Marquez were the last to perform on Saturday, November 28, gave them an advantage.
Rubbishing this theory, Maisie hit back: “Absolutely not. It was terrifying.
“There was a lot of pressure to close the show and I was even more nervous than I have been the past six weeks.”
A rep for Strictly and the BBC also slammed the claims.
In a statement, the BBC said: “The suggestion that any of the couples receive preferential treatment is completely untrue and unfounded.
Gorka Marquez and Maisie Smith have found themselves in the bottom two twice (Image: PA)
“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.”
It Takes Two host Rylan Clark Neal defended Maisie to Daily Star after she was hit with claims from vile trolls that she is too confident to be on the show.
Rylan said: “People forget Maisie is 19 and she’s on Strictly Come Dancing living her best life.
“She is a fantastic dancer and I think a lot of people get confused with confidence and arrogance.
“If you go on the show and you’re really nervous it will effect your performance.”
Former X Factor contestant Rylan added: “I think it is gutting she has been in the bottom two.”
Taking to social media to give her take on the situation, Maisie said: “The pressure gets to me… when I’m nervous I have this serious expression so people think I’m overconfident.”
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
