EastEnders’ Maisie Smith ‘has signed to compete on Strictly Come Dancing despite investigation’

Maisie Smith has reportedly signed up to compete on Strictly Come Dancing, despite being under investigation for smoking a ‘strong-smelling cigarette’.

The 19-year-old EastEnders actress was at the centre of controversy over the summer, when she was spotted smoking at the cigarette at the wheel of her car.

But she is still reported to be among the new lineup of stars set to take to the BBC ballroom this winter as they compete for the coveted glitterball.

A source told The Sun: ‘It is unthinkable that Strictly would sign her after the few weeks she has had. The show is the pinnacle of the BBC and gives rising stars and established ones a huge step to more fame.

‘So it’s very weird to give someone whose future was very unclear just weeks ago such an opportunity. Perhaps they see it as a way of nailing down a rising star rather than her leaving and taking with her a young audience.’

MailOnline has contacted representatives for Maisie Smith and Strictly Come Dancing for comment. 

The report comes weeks after it was revealed that Maisie is being investigated by BBC bosses after she was spotted smoking the cigarette in question.

The actress has also reportedly ruffled feathers after signing a big money TikTok deal, despite being told not to by soap chiefs.

Maisie, who plays Tiffany Butcher in the soap, has apparently violated the terms of her EastEnders contract by inking a deal to promote musicians on the app.

The Sun has reported that bosses were ‘angry’ and ‘extremely disappointed’ after Maisie was caught smoking a hand-rolled cigarette, after pulling over on an empty road in Essex on Sunday July 19.

Maisie previously allegedly turned down an eye-watering amount of money from a record label to promote their artists’ music on her videos. 

She reportedly rejected the offer after being told it would breach her EastEnders contract, however she is believed to have gone on to accept a second deal.    

An EastEnders spokeswoman confirmed to the publication: ‘We are looking into this matter.’ 

It comes after Maisie was criticised by fellow soap star Kym Marsh for ‘setting a bad example’ when was pictured smoking a ‘strong smelling’ hand-rolled cigarette while behind the wheel of her car. 

Kym, 44, who played Michelle Connor on rival soap Coronation Street, criticised the ‘really silly’ actress, insisting she should use her public platform to set a good example for younger fans.

Addressing the incident in her OK! column, she wrote: ‘This was a really silly thing to do. We all make mistakes and do things wrong, and hopefully this is something Maisie will learn from as she’s only 19.

‘When you’re in a soap, you have to remember that you have an influence on others – especially younger people – and you have to set an example.

‘You are an ambassador for your show, so you have to make sure you uphold its values. I can’t imagine she will get away with it lightly.’

According to The Sun, Maisie paused to smoke the cigarette before finishing and hastily driving off after a police car pulled into the area on Two Tree Island. 

Maisie and her pal were said to have been parked for around 40 minutes on the Sunday afternoon around 3:50pm.

According to the publication, the pair initially stopped before moving to a more secluded corner on the island.

They reportedly spent about seven minutes rolling the cigarette before smoking it and then left around 4:30 pm after a police car arrived.

An onlooker said: ‘Locals know this area as a spot for people having a smoke. She had the window open and the smell was really strong. I couldn’t believe she was doing it while driving.’