Maisie Smith takes pride in her body after putting on weight during Strictly training
The 19-year-old has responded after some viewers said she landed in the dance-off again last weekend because she is “cocky”
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Maisie Smith says she has put on weight during Strictly Come Dancing – but she doesn’t mind one bit.
The EastEnder, 19, says she has struggled to keep the pounds off since entering the show.
After admitting she was ‘insecure’ about her cellulite, the actress doesn’t seem to be too concerned about eating a bit too much.
Maisie, who has played Tiffany Butcher in the BBC soap since she was six, says food preparation and the lack of gym time is causing a problem.
She told The Daily Star : “I’ve put on weight! I make dinners at the weekend to last the whole week and I eat them within two days.
“The gyms are closed and I’m a gym freak – that’s where I feel happiest – but I don’t feel like I’m lacking.
“In the first lockdown I struggled without the gym, but this time around I haven’t felt that.
“I’m getting so strong every day. And dancing is the most fun!”
Maisie made a defiant comeback to Strictly Come Dancing on Saturday night, after two weeks in the dreaded dance-off despite impressive scores and performances.
Some called her “cocky” in the first four weeks – but she says viewers are mistaking her.
She has revealed she is actually very shy and appealed for some understading.
Maisie told The Mirror: “People forget I am a 19-year-old girl. I’d ask people maybe not to judge my character on certain faces I pull when I’m dancing and maybe don’t be too quick to guess who someone is.
“I’m not confident in myself at all and I’m trying to be more confident, let’s not hate.”
She added: “When I was asked to do Strictly, as much as I was so excited, part of me thought it wasn’t the best idea for me because I’m too shy.
“Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve put on a confident front to cover up my nerves and maybe that came across in a different light than what I intended.
“I wish I was that confident person – that’s the most amazing thing for someone so young to have confidence and that’s what I strive for.”
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