Maisie Smith

Last updated

Maisie Smith
Maisie Smith 2019 BSAs.jpg
Smith in 2019
Born
Maisie Louise Collender Smith

(2001-07-09) 9 July 2001 (age 23)
Westcliff, Essex, England
Occupations
  • Actress
  • singer
Years active2006–present
Television EastEnders
Strictly Come Dancing
Website officiallymaisie.com OOjs UI icon edit-ltr-progressive.svg

Maisie Louise Collender Smith [1] (born 9 July 2001) [2] is an English actress and singer. She appeared in the feature film The Other Boleyn Girl (2008) and played the regular role of Tiffany Butcher in the BBC soap opera EastEnders from 2008 to 2014. In November 2016, Smith temporarily returned to EastEnders for a guest stint, before making a full-time return in January 2018. In October 2021 it was announced that she would once again be leaving EastEnders and her final scenes aired in December of that year; she made a one-off appearance in March 2022 to aid the departure of Keegan Baker (Zack Morris). [3] In 2020, she competed in the eighteenth series of Strictly Come Dancing alongside partner Gorka Marquez, reaching the final but losing out to Bill Bailey.

Contents

Career

Smith attended the Singer Stage School in Leigh-on-Sea for 18 months, [4] and in 2006, she was cast in the film The Other Boleyn Girl as a young Elizabeth I; the film was released in February 2008. [5] [6] She then went on to portray the role of Tiffany Dean in the BBC soap opera EastEnders . Smith made her first appearance on the soap on 1 April 2008, at age six, as the daughter of Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer). Her mother stated "The role is an exaggeration of her own personality, she's a little madam. A lively character both on and off screen. The difference is, she's told to pronounce her t's at home! She is not star-struck at all and has her feet very firmly on the ground. She is an extremely confident child and a great actress." [4] Smith's father said, "She gets recognised quite a lot when we go out as a family. It's funny when you see people nudge each other and you can hear them saying, ‘Is that the girl off EastEnders?’" [7]

A few months after her casting, Smith said that she was loving being on EastEnders, telling the Echo (Essex) "I love being on EastEnders. I really get on with Patsy who plays my mum. She looks after me so well. It's like I'm her real daughter some days. Everyone is really nice. Pam St Clement, who plays Pat Butcher, is also really lovely to me. I’m glad I get to be cheeky and say some funny lines. I would never want to be a goody goody. It's strange people point at me in the street now and ask if I’m the girl from EastEnders. All my friends think it's great I’m on television. I think I will want to be an actress forever now." [7]

Digital Spy's Kris Green said Smith is "brilliant" and "one...to watch", comparing her to Ellis Hollins, the award-winning child actor who plays Tom Cunningham in the Channel 4 teen soap opera Hollyoaks . [8] She has also been praised by stage school teacher Sandra Singer, who said, "Maisie has the most incredible memory and when it comes to script work she is fantastic. It is often very difficult for a six-year-old to act, but she handles it really well and adores it." [4]

In 2010, Smith was asked to appear on CITV's Bookaboo , and read the story Stinky by Ian Whybrow. Smith told CITV "You have to be quiet in libraries which is really hard for me as I'm very loud. I would probably come last in a 'who can stay quiet the longest' competition!" [9] In 2011, Smith was interviewed by The Stage magazine where she talked about her role in EastEnders. Smith said, "Sudden fame can be tricky when you are just out having fun and people keep wanting to take your photo, but the EastEnders people are very supportive and have said that we can politely say no in situations where we feel uncomfortable. I am very glad that my break came with EastEnders, as they are like a family who look after you. Working on the show has given me the chance to learn so much from the actors, especially those who are in my TV family. There are lots of things you can only learn from actually working on a set. The stage school I attend –also Singer Stage School – prepares you really well, but it is so different when you are actually there on set being filmed." [10]

In October 2016, it was announced Smith would be releasing her first single, "Good Thing". [11] Smith shot a music video accompanying the song at the Belt Craft studios and the song and video was uploaded to Smith's YouTube channel in November 2016. [12] Smith released her second single, "Where My Heart Is", in March 2017. Smith said a lot of her songs were about herself, so she "wanted to write a song that inspired others" and she hopes "that got across" and that it "manages to inspire those who listen". [13] On 3 November 2016, Smith made a previously unannounced temporary return to EastEnders. Smith returned full-time in January 2018. [14] [15]

In September 2020, it was announced that she would be competing in the eighteenth series of Strictly Come Dancing . [16] She was partnered with Gorka Márquez. [17] In December 2020, they finished in second place alongside Hrvy & Janette Manrara and Jamie Laing & Karen Hauer, after losing out to Bill Bailey and Oti Mabuse.

In May 2022, it was announced Smith would be making her musical theatre debut in Strictly Ballroom: The Musical, playing Fran.

In October 2022, Smith was one of four finalists who completed series 4 of Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins . [18]

In April 2024, Smith was cast as Beth, the Parson's Wife in Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of The War of the Worlds for the 2025 The Spirit of Man tour. [19]

Personal life

Smith lives in Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, with her parents and sister. Smith attended Belfairs Academy in Leigh-on-Sea and the Sandra Singer Stage School. [10] Smith attended South Essex College, where she studied musical theatre. [20] As of September 2022, she is in a relationship with singer Max George. [21]

Awards and nominations

YearAwardCategoryWorkResultRef.
2009 The British Soap Awards Best Dramatic Performance for a Young Actor or ActressEastEndersWon [22]
2010The British Soap AwardsBest Dramatic Performance for a Young Actor or ActressNominated [23]
2010 Inside Soap Awards Best Young ActorNominated [24]
2011The British Soap AwardsBest Young PerformanceNominated [25]
2011Inside Soap AwardsBest Young ActorWon [26]
2012Inside Soap AwardsBest Young ActorShortlisted [27]
2013The British Soap AwardsBest Young PerformanceNominated [28]
2013Inside Soap AwardsBest Young ActorWon [29]
2018The British Soap AwardsBest Young ActorNominated [30]
2018Inside Soap AwardsBest Young ActorShortlisted [31]
2019 TV Choice Awards Best Soap ActressNominated [32]
2019 Digital Spy Reader Awards Best Soap Actor (Female)Fourth [33]
2020I Talk Telly AwardsBest Soap Partnership (shared with Zack Morris)Nominated [34]
2023 The Stage Debut Awards Best Performer in a MusicalStrictly Ballroom: The MusicalPending [35]

Filmography

YearTitleRoleNotes
2008 The Other Boleyn Girl Young Elizabeth Film
2008–2014, 2016, 2018–2022 EastEnders Tiffany Butcher Series regular
2010 EastEnders: Last Tango in Walford Tiffany ButcherStraight-to-DVD
2015Released from Fear: A Restorative Justice StoryLaurenShort film
Stage
YearTitleRoleNotes
2022 Strictly Ballroom: The Musical Fran Churchill Theatre, Bromley / tour
As herself
YearTitleNotes
2008EastEnders: Ricky and BiancaSpecial
2009–2014, 2018–2019 The British Soap Awards Award winner and nominee
2009 Children in Need EastEnders special
2010 EastEnders Live: The Aftermath Documentary
2011 Bookaboo Guest star
2011 Comic Relief Guest star for EastEnders
2011 EastEnders Revealed Episode: "Whitney's Story"
2016 Loose Women 1 episode
2020 EastEnders: Secrets from the Square Episode: "Tiffany, Keegan and Karen"
2020 Strictly Come Dancing Contestant; series 18
2022 Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins Contestant; series 4
2023 The Chase Celebrity Special Contestant; Series 13 Episode 7 [36]

Discography

Extended plays

TitleDetails
Where My Heart Is

Music videos

TitleYearDirector(s)
"Good Thing"2016Mark Potter
"Where My Heart Is"2017

Related Research Articles

Bobby Beale (<i>EastEnders</i>) Fictional character from EastEnders

Bobby Beale is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, who made his first appearance in episode 2557, originally broadcast on 24 July 2003. The character was originally played by Kevin Curran as an infant. Prior to his introduction, Bobby's paternity is at the centre of a storyline and is resolved when Ian Beale is revealed as Bobby's father. His mother, Laura Beale, is killed off in 2004 and Bobby's stepmother, Jane Beale, later adopts Bobby. Curran was replaced by Alex Francis in 2007. Following Jane's departure, Bobby finds a mother figure in Mandy Salter and is upset when she leaves.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Liam Butcher</span> Fictional character from EastEnders

Liam Butcher is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Sonny Bottomley for two months in 1998 and 1999, twins Jack and Tom Godolphin from 1999, Gavin and Mitchell Vaughan in 2002, and Nathaniel Gleed from 2002 to 2004. Upon his reintroduction in 2008, the character was portrayed by James Forde. Liam is the son of Bianca Jackson and Ricky Butcher and his stories have mostly revolved around his family. The character took a six-month break in 2012 for story purposes. Following his return, producers used Liam in a story about gangs, working with the charity Comic Relief. Forde was written out permanently in 2015 and Liam departs in the episode first broadcast on 17 August 2015. Liam was reintroduced for a short stint in 2021, with the role recast to Alfie Deegan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bianca Jackson</span> UK soap opera character, created 1993

Bianca Jackson is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders played by Patsy Palmer. The character was introduced by executive producer Leonard Lewis and appeared initially from 1993 to 1999, when Palmer opted to leave. In 2002 executive producer John Yorke brought the character back for a special spin-off show. She returned to EastEnders as a full-time character in April 2008, reintroduced by executive producer Diederick Santer. Palmer took maternity leave in late 2010 and Bianca left the series in January 2011. The character returned in December 2011 after Palmer signed a "working mums" contract, which granted her leave from the soap between April and November 2012. The actress quit EastEnders for good in 2014 and Bianca departed on 12 September 2014. Palmer reprised the role on 2 September 2019 for a guest stint and a second guest stint was scheduled for 2020, but later cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She has returned various times throughout 2024.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mandy Salter</span> UK soap opera character, created 1992

Mandy Salter is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Nicola Stapleton. Introduced on 12 March 1992 by producer Leonard Lewis, Mandy was portrayed as a teenage tearaway. She was featured in storylines about teenage homelessness, child abuse and recreational drug taking. Her relationship with Aidan Brosnan was one of the prominent storylines featured in 1993. Due to the character's antagonistic behaviour, it has been suggested that Mandy was one of the most hated characters on television during her initial tenure. The character appeared in a special episode of Doctor Who in 1993, which was set in the fictional soap setting of Walford. Stapleton left the role and Mandy departed on-screen on 13 January 1994. Stapleton returned to the role for a nine-month stint on 29 August 2011, and left again on 31 May 2012.

Lindsey Coulson is an English actress, known for her portrayal of Carol Jackson on the BBC soap opera EastEnders. For this, she won the 2000 British Soap Award for Best Dramatic Performance. Other roles include Cheryl in Manchild (2002–2003), DC Rosie McManus in Murder Investigation Team (2003–2005), DCI Sarah Tanner in Bulletproof (2018–2021), and Penny Armstrong in The Bay (2019–2021). Coulson's film credits include AKA (2003) and Funny Cow (2017).

Natalie Joy Robb is a Scottish actress and singer. She played the roles of Gemma Clewes in EastEnders, Trish McDonald in the Scottish Television soap opera Take the High Road (1990–1999) and Jude Carlyle in the BBC soap opera Doctors (2001–2004). Since 2009, she has portrayed the role of Moira Barton in the ITV soap opera Emmerdale. Her other television roles include Dream Team (2000–2001) and The Bill (2004–2005).

Harvey Virdi is a British actress of Indian descent. She trained at Academy Drama School in London.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tameka Empson</span> English actress, comedian (b. 1977)

Tameka Lydia Empson is an English actress and comedian. She appeared as one of the three protagonists in the hidden-camera comedy sketch show 3 Non-Blondes. In 2009, she began portraying the role of Kim Fox in the BBC soap opera EastEnders.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Catherine Tyldesley</span> English actress

Catherine Mary Ann Tyldesley is an English actress, known for her roles as Iris Moss in the BBC drama Lilies (2007), Eva Price on the ITV soap opera Coronation Street from (2011–2018) and Karen Norris in the BBC sitcom Scarborough (2019). She also appeared as a contestant on the seventeenth series of Strictly Come Dancing in 2019.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tiffany Butcher</span> Fictional character from EastEnders

Tiffany Butcher-Baker is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Maisie Smith. Tiffany is the daughter of established characters Bianca Jackson and Ricky Butcher, though originally she was believed to be Bianca's daughter with a man named Nathan Dean. Tiffany's surname was changed in the show's credits from Dean to Butcher, which has also been referenced in the show. Tiffany departed, alongside her half-brother Morgan Butcher and their mother Bianca, in September 2014. Tiffany made an unannounced brief return on 3 November 2016 when she and Morgan returned to Walford for Whitney Dean and Lee Carter's wedding.

Natalie Gumede is an English actress. She is known for playing Kirsty Soames in the ITV soap opera, Coronation Street, from 2011 to 2013. She previously played China in BBC Three comedy show Ideal. She has also appeared in The Persuasionists, Emmerdale and Doctor Who among other television shows. Gumede was also runner-up in the 2013 series of Strictly Come Dancing on BBC One. From 2017 to 2019, Gumede began appearing in Netflix original Free Rein as Maggie Steel Phillips.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Queen Vic Fire Week</span> Four 2010 episodes of soap opera EastEnders

"Queen Vic Fire Week" is a group of four episodes of the BBC soap opera EastEnders, broadcast between 6 and 10 September 2010 on BBC One. The episodes included a fire at The Queen Victoria public house, also known as The Queen Vic or The Vic, and the departure of the character Peggy Mitchell, portrayed by Barbara Windsor, who left the series after sixteen years in the role. During the episodes, Peggy—the pub landlady—has her crack cocaine-addicted son Phil imprisoned in The Queen Victoria, forcing him to go cold turkey. She later learns that her deceased husband Archie was murdered by the person he raped: Stacey Branning. Before she can report Stacey to the police, Phil escapes and sets the pub on fire. Stacey and her infant daughter Lily are trapped inside, but are rescued by her lover Ryan Malloy – prompting Stacey to reveal to him that he is Lily's father. In light of the incident, Peggy decides against reporting Stacey for Lily's sake. She then plans to make a fresh start, bidding her family goodbye and leaving Walford.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lola Pearce</span> UK soap opera character created 2011

Lola Pearce-Brown is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Danielle Harold. She was introduced as the granddaughter of Billy Mitchell and Julie Perkins, and an extension to the already established Mitchell family. Lola made her first appearance on 12 July 2011. Her storylines have mainly focused on her relationship with her family, a teenage pregnancy after a one-night stand with her third cousin once removed Ben Mitchell, fighting to keep newborn daughter Lexi out of care, her friendships with Abi Branning, Dexter Hartman and later Frankie Lewis, relationships with Peter Beale and Jay Brown, improving her situation by becoming a hairdresser, having an abortion after becoming pregnant by Jay, and being diagnosed with a glioblastoma brain tumour which resulted in her death.

Paula Lane is an English actress. She is best known for portraying the roles of Kylie Platt in ITV soap opera Coronation Street (2010–2016), and Ella Forster in the ITV soap opera Emmerdale (2024–2025).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tyler Moon</span> UK soap opera character, created 2011

Tyler Moon is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Tony Discipline. Tyler is the son of Eddie Moon, half brother of Michael and Craig Moon, brother of Anthony Moon and cousin of Alfie Moon. He made his first appearance in the episode broadcast on 27 June 2011.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lydia Simmonds</span> UK soap opera character, created 2011

Lydia Simmonds is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, initially played by Margaret Tyzack and then by Heather Chasen. She is the maternal grandmother of Ricky and Janine Butcher. She made her debut on April 5, 2011, was portrayed by Tyzack, who left the show for health reasons on April 13, and appeared as Lydia in three episodes before dying on June 25, 2011. Chasen appeared in the role from 21 April. The character was killed-off and Chasen made her last appearance on 13 June 2011, and, though not credited for it, did a voice-over for the 14 June episode. Executive producer Bryan Kirkwood later said that Lydia's storyline was perfect and that Chasen made the part of Lydia her own.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Joey Branning</span> UK soap opera character, created 2012

Joseph "Joey" Branning is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by David Witts. Introduced on 22 June 2012 by producer Bryan Kirkwood, Joey is the estranged son of established character Derek Branning and the brother of Alice Branning. Joey was featured in storylines such as a problematic relationship with his father due to his absence in his life, and a sexual relationship with his first cousin Lauren Branning. Joey and Lauren's relationship was one of the prominent storylines featured throughout 2012 and 2013. He also had relationships with Lucy Beale, Whitney Dean and Janine Butcher.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Keegan Baker</span> Fictional character from EastEnders

Keegan Butcher-Baker is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Zack Morris. He first appeared in episode 5421, broadcast on 9 January 2017, transpiring to be a school friend of established character Shakil Kazemi. Morris began filming in November 2016 and Keegan was introduced to become promenant in storylines focusing with other teenage characters, namely Shakil, Bex Fowler, and Louise Mitchell. Initially characterised as an arrogant and spiteful bully, Keegan's character became more sensitive and sympathetic throughout his time on the soap, particularly following the introduction of his family – the Taylors – in June 2017. During the family's announcement and promotion, it was kept secret that Keegan was their relative.

References

  1. ↑ "Smith's full name is noted in her Instagram bio". 5 December 2017. Archived from the original on 9 April 2018.
  2. ↑ McGarty, Shona [@ShonaBM] (9 July 2017). "Happy Birthday little sis. maisie_smith_ I can't believe your 16! Hope you had a wonderful day. Love you loads from me and RYAN" (Tweet). Archived from the original on 6 June 2018 – via Twitter.
  3. ↑ @bbceastenders (8 October 2021). "Today was a sad day on the set of #EastEnders as we said goodbye to the amazing @maisie_smith_ , who finished filming her final scene as the iconic Tiffany Butcher-Baker. But we couldn't let her go without a small surprise and a proper Walford farewell – take a look here" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  4. 1 2 3 "The new EastEnders". Echo (Basildon). 11 April 2008. Retrieved 18 March 2002.
  5. ↑ "Scarlett Johansson Set As 'The Other Boleyn Girl'". www.killermovies.com.
  6. ↑ "Who's Working" Archived 23 December 2007 at the Wayback Machine , Sandra Singer Associates. URL. Retrieved 19 March 2008.
  7. 1 2 "Now little Maisie grabs limelight on telly soap". Echo (Basildon). 23 December 2008. Retrieved 1 October 2013.
  8. ↑ "The Jackson Five: I Want You Back". Digital Spy . 29 March 2008. Retrieved 29 March 2008.
  9. ↑ Goodman, Lucy. "Maisie Smith Bookaboo" . Retrieved 30 November 2014.
  10. 1 2 Byrne, John (9 June 2011). "As a young performer in a high-profile role, how can I balance the increased attention with developing my craft?" (PDF). The Stage . Archived from the original (PDF) on 22 April 2012. Retrieved 6 June 2018.
  11. ↑ Dainty, Sophie (12 October 2016). "Exclusive: Former EastEnders star Maisie Smith is releasing a single – and you can listen to it here". Digital Spy. Retrieved 12 October 2016.
  12. ↑ Maisie Smith – Good Thing on YouTube
  13. ↑ Lindsay, Duncan (17 March 2017). "Maisie Smith on her new single, inspiring young people and whether she'll return to EastEnders". Metro. Retrieved 20 March 2017.
  14. ↑ Lindsay, Duncan (23 November 2017). "EastEnders spoilers: Maisie Smith returns as Tiffany Butcher and brings trouble to Whitney Carter". Metro. Retrieved 24 November 2017.
  15. ↑ Brown, David (23 November 2017). "Tiffany Butcher returns to EastEnders" . Retrieved 23 November 2017.
  16. ↑ BBC Press Office [@bbcpress] (3 September 2020). "Actress and singer, @Maisie_Smith_ is the tenth celebrity contestant confirmed for #Strictly Come Dancing 2020" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  17. ↑ "Strictly's Maisie and Gorka stun fans with incredible sexy samba". Daily Mirror . 24 October 2020.
  18. ↑ "Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins 2022 reveals winners". radiotimes.com. Retrieved 17 October 2022.
  19. ↑ "Strictly star couple Max George and Maisie Smith cast in The War of the Worlds UK tour". radiotimes.com. Retrieved 15 April 2024.
  20. ↑ "South Essex College facebook". Facebook . 22 October 2020.
  21. ↑ "Strictly stars Maisie Smith and Max George in kissing selfie". Digital Spy . 6 September 2022.
  22. ↑ Green, Kris; KilKelly, Daniel (10 May 2009). "British Soap Awards 2009: The Winners". Digital Spy. Retrieved 10 May 2009.
  23. ↑ Green, Kris; Kilkelly, Daniel (9 May 2010). "British Soap Awards 2010: The Winners". Digital Spy . Hachette Filipacchi UK . Retrieved 19 March 2012.
  24. ↑ Wightman, Catriona (13 July 2010). "In full: Inside Soap Awards 2010 nominees". Digital Spy .
  25. ↑ Kilkelly, Daniel (14 May 2011). "British Soap Awards 2011: The Winners". Digital Spy .
  26. ↑ Millar, Paul (26 September 2011). "Inside Soap Awards 2011: The full winners list". Digital Spy .
  27. ↑ Kilkelly, Daniel (17 September 2012). "'Coronation Street' leads Inside Soap Awards 2012 shortlist". Digital Spy . Retrieved 4 January 2013.
  28. ↑ Kilkelly, Daniel (22 April 2013). "'Coronation Street' leads British Soap Awards shortlist". Digital Spy . Retrieved 22 April 2013.
  29. ↑ Kilkelly, Daniel (21 October 2013). "Inside Soap Awards 2013 - winners list in full". Digital Spy . Retrieved 22 October 2013.
  30. ↑ Kilkelly, Daniel (2 June 2018). "British Soap Awards 2018 winners updated live: Find out which of your favourite shows and stars won a trophy". Digital Spy. Retrieved 2 June 2018.
  31. ↑ Kilkelly, Daniel (16 October 2018). "Coronation Street tops Inside Soap Awards 2018 shortlist with 18 nominations". Digital Spy . Retrieved 21 November 2018.
  32. ↑ "TVCA Long List 2019". TV Choice . Archived from the original on 30 May 2019. Retrieved 31 May 2019.
  33. ↑ Robinson, Abby (28 December 2019). "It's (nearly) a clean sweep for Hollyoaks in the Digital Spy Reader Awards for soaps 2019". Digital Spy . Archived from the original on 7 January 2020. Retrieved 7 January 2020.
  34. ↑ Gonzalez, Elliot (8 November 2020). "I TALK TELLY AWARDS 2020 Nominees". I Talk Telly.
  35. ↑ "Stage Debut Awards 2023 Nominees include Lenny Henry: Samira Wiley: Bukky Bakray: Carla Dixon-Hernandez: Anoushka Lucas: Kyle Ramar Freeman and more". Alt A Review. 24 August 2023. Retrieved 23 September 2023.
  36. ↑ "The Chase Celebrity Special". radiotimes.com. Retrieved 24 May 2023.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.