Strictly’s Craig Revel Horwood offers Maisie Smith advice on how to become champ

Strictly star Maisie Smith has been offered some key advice from head judge Craig Revel Horwood on how she could stay in the competition.

The EastEnders star, who plays Tiffany Butcher, has been told she needs to "win the nation's hearts" if she wants to lift the Glitterball Trophy and get crowned as this year's champ.

Maisie has narrowly avoided being booted off the BBC dancing competition in recent weeks after landing in the bottom two twice this series.

The judge appeared on ITV's This Morning on Monday to speak about Maisie's performance and how she can win over viewers.

Giving the actress his top tips and hints, Craig said: "Maisie is fantastic, she just needs to win the hearts and minds of the nation.

"I remember Alesha Dixon was in the bottom a few times and then she ended up winning and becoming a judge. I’m hoping it’s a slow burner and that's the case."

Throwing his support behind the star, Craig added: "She's a lovely girl and I really want to see her go through."

Britain's Got Talent judge Alesha Dixon and her dance partner Matthew Cutler won the show back in 2007.

Alesha impressed the judges so much that she replaced Arlene Phillips on the judging panel for one series in 2009.

Just over a week ago, Maisie faced Max George and Dianne Buswell in the dance off.

This weekend saw Maisie and Gorka Marquez in the bottom two alongside Caroline Quentin during the results show.

Maisie upped her game and scored 27 points out of 30 recently, which is her highest score yet, for her salsa to Meghan Trainor's Better When I'm Dancing.

Fans of Maisie have questioned how she's managed to land herself in the dance off twice during the competition as they believe she is the "best dancer".

*Strictly Come Dancing continues Saturday on BBC One.

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Maisie SmithStrictly Come DancingCraig Revel Horwood