Strictly’s Maisie Smith dresses down in a hooded jumper as she heads to rehearsals after landing in the bottom two for a second week in a row
She was awarded her highest score yet from the judges on Saturday, but still found herself in the dreaded dance-off for a second week in a row.
And Maisie Smith ensured she’ll impress Strictly Come Dancing viewers for this week’s show as she headed to rehearsals in London on Tuesday.
The EastEnders actress, 19 – who is partnered up with professional dancer Gorka Marquez for this year’s series – cut a casual figure as she prepared to refine her footwork in the studio.
Busy bee: Maisie Smith ensured she’ll impress Strictly Come Dancing viewers for this week’s show as she headed to rehearsals in London on Tuesday
Dressing down, the soap star donned a black hooded jumper with pinstripe leggings.
Tiffany Butcher actress Maisie opted for comfort in the footwear department in a pair of pink Crocs, which coordinated with her protective face mask.
The social media star went make-up free for training, while pulling her hair away from her face and into a ponytail.
Low-key: The EastEnders actress, 19, cut a casual figure as she prepared to refine her footwork in the studio
Casual: Dressing down, the soap star donned a black hooded jumper with pinstripe leggings
Relaxed: The Tiffany Butcher actress opted for comfort in the footwear department in a pair of pink Crocs, which coordinated with her protective face mask
Naturally radiant: The social media star went make-up free for training, while pulling her hair away from her face and into a ponytail
The TV star’s appearance came after judge Craig Revel Horwood threw his support behind Maisie, after she landed in the bottom two again.
Maisie narrowly avoided elimination as the panel decided to save her over fellow actress Caroline Quentin and ballroom pro Johannes Radebe.
Dance expert Craig, 55, shared his belief that she may be struggling to soar because she ‘needs to the win the hearts of the nation’, as he compared her to 2007 champion Alesha Dixon.
During an appearance on ITV’s This Morning on Monday, she 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. She’s a lovely girl and I really want to see her go through.’
Britain’s Got Talent star Alesha, 42, won the popular BBC competition with dance partner Matthew Cutler in 2007, before replacing Arlene Phillips as a judge on the show for a single series in 2009.
Saved: The auburn-haired beauty narrowly avoided elimination as the panel decided to save her over fellow actress Caroline Quentin and ballroom pro Johannes Radebe
Just over a week ago, Maisie and Spanish hunk Gorka, 30, faced Max George and Dianne Buswell in the dance-off.
Last week’s close call reportedly left the auburn-haired beauty feeling shaken and she apparently had to be comforted by her fellow Strictly co-stars after taking the vote ‘to heart’.
A source told The Sun: ‘Poor Maisie has been so upset – she’s been crying all night and has really taken it to heart. She’s young and living away from home for the first time so it’s hard on her.’
The insider also claimed the young star had the support of her fellow celebrity contestants and professional dancers as they attempted to cheer her up.
Champion: Judge Craig Revel Horwood recently compared Maisie to Alesha Dixon, who won the popular BBC ballroom contest with dance partner Matthew Cutler in 2007 (pictured)