EastEnders: Strictly finalist waltzes into Walford – and they’ve got their eye on the Vic

EastEnders: Strictly Come Dancing 2022 finalist waltzes into Walford - and they've got an eye on the Queen Vic. Find out more with Closer...

Eastenders Linda Carter looking shocked

by Brooke Pollock |
Updated on

In glorious EastEnders news: Strictly Come Dancing’s Molly Rainford is joining the cast.

Molly, who first came to fame after appearing on Britain’s Got Talent in 2011 and was later a CBBC regular, is set to join the cast along with her onscreen family, the Knights. The newcomers are set to cause havoc in the Square as they come to help Linda Carter’s (Kelly Bright) run the Vic.

The Knight family in front of The VIc
©BBC

After discovering that Janine Butcher (Charlie Brooks) still wants Mick Carter's (Danny Dyer) half of the pub after his apparent death, Linda begins talks with Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) and the Panesars family as potential buyers. However, they don’t realise that Linda has gone behind their backs, talking with her mum Elaine Peacock (Harriet Thorpe) about the pub's future.

Elaine will be bringing her husband George (Colin Salmon), along with his two daughters Gina (Francesca Henry) and Anna (Molly Rainford) with her to Walford.

Molly said, “I’m SUPER excited to be joining the cast of EastEnders. It’s such an iconic show which myself and my family love, so it’s an honour to bring the character Anna Knight to life who is set to stir up drama upon her arrival.

“I’ve already met a few familiar faces from my time on Strictly and I can’t wait to meet and be a part of the EastEnders family.”

Molly Rainford & Carlos Gu dance on Strictly 2022
Molly Rainford and Carlos Gu during Strictly 2022 ©BBC

Who are Molly Rainford's parents?

Molly’s mum and dad are Sarah and Dave Rainford. Her dad is a former footballer. He was an assistant manager and midfielder for  Chelmsford City FC. He started his career at Colchester United and returned there later on in his career.

Molly Rainford on Strictly Come Dancing

Molly was on Strictly in 2022. She was a finalist and runner-up, beaten top the top spot by Hamza Yassin.

Molly Rainford's partner

When Molly was on Strictly, she was partnered up with Carlos Gu.

It seems that dancing wasn’t the only thing that Molly did on Strictly though, she also found a handsome partner away from the dancefloor. During the live tour with the 2022 cast, she and TV presenter Tyler West were spotted out on walks and holding hands, and have gone Insta official.

Molly Rainford's age

Molly is 22 years old. She was born on November 22nd, 2000.

Molly Rainford's songs

As well as being an actress and presenter (and, as she showed us on Strictly, an amazing dancer), she also sings.

She released Sign Your Name in 2019, and Commitment, also in 2019. A  Christmas EP was released in 2020 which featured covers of songs including John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s Happy Xmas (War is Over).

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