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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Zara Woodcock

Strictly star Molly Rainford: From Britain's Got Talent child star to pop singer

Molly Rainford was recently confirmed as the tenth star to join Strictly Come Dancing, but it won't be the first time she competed on a TV show.

Ten years ago, when she was only 11 years old, Molly auditioned for Britain's Got Talent with a phenomenal rendition of Jennifer Hudson's One Night Only.

The judges, including Alesha Dixon, Simon Cowell, David Walliams and Carmen Electra, were floored by her soulful voice.

She received four yeses, with Alesha telling her: "You are 11 years old and you sing with such maturity and control. You've just blown me away."

Music mogul Simon added: "I've got to tell you, Molly. I like you because you've got soul. I really do believe that."

Molly auditioned for BGT in 2012 (Ken McKay / Rex Features)
She auditioned with a Jennifer Hudson song (Can Nguyen/REX/Shutterstock)

Molly sailed through the competition and even reached the finals, singing a flawless version of Ave Maria.

All four impressed judges gave her a standing ovation when she finished belting out the lyrics.

She was pipped to the post in 2012 by dog act Ashley and Pudsey, leaving Molly winding up in sixth place.

But she didn't let that knock her confidence, she stuck to singing and after working hard in music college she collaborated with the likes of plan B.

Judges called her voice 'soulful' (ITV)

In 2019 she released an EP called Commitment which raked in more than two million streams.

She then followed that with a collection of Christmassy tracks called Christmas (Baby Please Come Home).

Molly also joined CBBC show, Nova Jones, as the titular character in September 2021.

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She was recently confirmed as a Strictly contestant (Instagram)
The star has also been part of CBBC's Nova Jones since last year (Instagram)

"Nova Jones is definitely a lovable diva, and playing her is a dream come true!" Molly said of the role.

"Performing super catchy tunes in sparkly costumes is so much fun. It's a pleasure to be a part of the Jefferson crew!"

And now, Molly will be impressing judges on the Strictly Come Dancing dancefloor.

The BBC One show is returning for a brand new series, with another set of famous faces trading their usual day jobs to take to the dance floor.

The likes of Loose Women star Kaye Adams, Coronation Street actress Kym Marsh and Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps' comedian Will Mellor have all signed up for the 2022 series.

Do you have a story to sell? Get in touch with us at webcelebs@mirror.co.uk or call us direct at 0207 29 33033.

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