Rumoured EastEnders newbie cast member Molly Rainford may have been the youngest contestant on Strictly Come Dancing last year, but the 22-year-old CBBC star says it felt like an honour to represent the younger generation in the smash-hit competition.
Although she says she didn’t feel the pressure at the time, Molly admits she learned much more than simply how
to dance. Speaking about how the experience increased her resilience, she explains, “I learned a lot about picking myself up.”
Here, Molly reveals how she and her dance partner Carlos Gu, 30, supported each other throughout the series – as it was Carlos’ first year as a professional on the show. “I think it brought us closer together,” she adds.
Hi, Molly! Was it a hard transition from working in kids’ television to appearing on Strictly?
It was so exciting. My audience is children so I felt empowered to be a role model for them watching at home. It’s nice for their parents to get to know the real person rather than my character Nova Jones. I wasn’t daunted – I love throwing myself into new things.
Did you feel pressure as the youngest contestant?
I never feel pressured. As long as you’re being authentically you, that’s all that matters.
Did Strictly teach you anything new about yourself?
I definitely grew up a little bit. I learnt a lot about picking myself back up, being resilient and having respect for myself. Obviously, I was at the bottom a few times, but experiencing those lows made me appreciate the highs. I’d think, “OK, that was a challenge. And we got through it.” It proved how good me and Carlos were as a team. It was nice to be his first partner too.
Are you good friends with Carlos?
We both navigated through the competition together. It was both our first time doing anything like this so that brought us closer together as a partnership and as friends. There is no one like him. I’m so happy our paths crossed – he’s definitely going to be a friend for life now.
Who else were you close to during your time on Strictly?
I shared a dressing room with Fleur [East] and she became my big sister instantly.
Did Fleur offer you any advice?
Yes, she did. We had similar journeys on the show with both of us being in the bottom two a few times. So having her to speak to in the dressing room every week really helped me. She was a really big support.
You walked the runway at London Fashion Week. Would you like to model again?
I wouldn’t say no! All the people who I look up to in the acting world have gone on to do modelling I love Zendaya because she’s so multitalented. She also started in the kids’ TV world, so she has been an inspiration.
Molly is an anti-bullying ambassador and teamed up with Nationwide and The Diana Award for the Positive Post Box campaign. See antibullyingpro.com.
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