Former Strictly Come Dancing contestant Gemma Atkinson has jumped to the defence of Maisie Smith after she was accused of being “arrogant” by some viewers.
Former Hollyoaks star Gemma competed on the 2017 series and was partnered with Maisie’s pro Gorka Marquez, who she is now dating and has a child with.
The 19-year-old EastEnders star has found herself in the bottom two in the last two weeks, with some claiming she’s “over confident”, comments which Gemma has now called out.
On her Instagram story, Gemma said: “To the younger generation watching Strictly.
“Never ever dumb down your talent or ability or enthusiasm just to please a load of jealous people on the Internet.
“The most important thing a girl wears is her confidence.”
Maisie has previously spoken about her fear of being thought of as over confident - saying it’s simply her nerves showing.
She told OK! magazine: “People have said they can’t warm to me on Strictly, but I’m so nervous and that can be interpreted as arrogance.
“I’ll either go quiet, or I’ll go over the top to put on a confident front.
“It’s hard to not let it affect you. I do have to genuinely remind myself to just trust myself. And be me.”
On last weekend’s Strictly, Maisie was saved by judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, and Anton Du Beke, meaning actor Caroline Quentin was sent home.