EastEnders actress Maisie Smith, who has just been confirmed as one of the contestants on the 2020 series of Strictly Come Dancing, reportedly clashed with BBC bosses over a potential pop career.
According to sources the Tiffany Butcher actress was approached by several big-name record companies, with one even insisting she could be the next Kylie Minogue.
“Maisie wants to crack the music industry and several labels think she is really marketable,” said a source.
“One told her she could be the next Kylie, with her girl-next-door looks and down-to-earth personality.”
Kylie, of course, also came from soap roots in her native Australia – but the Beeb wasn’t so taken with the idea and gave her an ultimatum.
"But she was told she could not take a record deal and continue on EastEnders and Strictly due to the BBC’s commercial rules,” said the insider.
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CLOSER Strictly Come Dancing 2020 CONFIRMED celebs
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Made in Chelsea's and 2019 drop-out Jamie Laing
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Brit comedian and national treasure Bill Bailey
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EastEnders actress Maisie Smith
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British Olympic boxing champion Nicola Adams
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Invictus Games athlete and TV presenter JJ Chalmers
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Tv presenter Clara Amfo
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Good Morning Britain's Ranvir Singh
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Former The Wanted singer (and Michelle Keegan's ex-boyfriend) Max George
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Retired American football player Jason Bell
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Men Behaving Badly actress Caroline Quentin
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Speaking to The Sun, they continued, “Maisie decided to take Strictly over the deal because she can revisit music after the show.
“This will give her an even bigger platform than EastEnders to show off her talents. She hopes it will be a huge chance for her.”
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Maisie is joining the likes of presenter Clara Amfo, comedian and all round top ledge Bill Bailey, and British Olympic boxing champion Nicola Adams, who will form part of the show’s first same sex couple.
Last year’s drop out Jamie Laing is also returning to the ballroom. Fans will remember that in 2019, the dance competition's FIRST reality TV star, Made in Chelsea's Jamie, was forced to drop out before the live shows due to injury.
He was replaced by Emmerdale's Kelvin Fletcher, who went on to win the show with Oti Mabuse.