Who is Strictly’s Molly Rainford? From youngest Britain’s Got Talent finalist to hit CBBC star

Molly Rainford has been announced as the latest celebrity set to compete in this year’s series of Strictly Come Dancing.

The singer and actress was the tenth star confirmed for the iconic BBC dancing competition, with the new series kicking off this September. Last series famously saw EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis lift the Glitterball trophy along with pro partner Giovanni Pernice after the pair were fan favourites throughout the series.

Essex-born Molly said: “I'm so excited to be part of Strictly Come Dancing, I've watched it for years and can't wait to meet the pros and the others taking part! I can't wait to learn the moves and get dancing!”

READ MORE: Strictly Come Dancing 2022 line-up as Kym Marsh, Will Mellor and Matt Goss are confirmed

Molly earned a standing ovation from the judges with her rendition of Ave Maria in the 2012 BGT final (ITV)

Viewers may recognise the 21-year-old from her younger days - she first appeared on screens back in 2012, when she became the youngest ever finalist on ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent at the time. Molly blew Simon Cowell and his fellow judges away at the age of just 11 as she belted out Jennifer Hudson’s One Night Only, before eventually losing out to winning dog act Ashley and Pudsey in the final.

Following her star turn on the talent show, music mogul Simon and Sony Music awarded Molly their first ever drama school scholarship at the prestigious Sylvia Young Theatre School. Now younger viewers may know Molly for her starring role in hit CBBC show Nova Jones, where she plays the intergalactic pop superstar.

Molly will form part of the biggest line-up in Strictly history this year, which will also see four new professional dancers join the show and Anton Du Beke make a permanent return to the judging panel alongside Craig Revel-Horwood, Shirley Ballas and Motsi Mabuse. Other stars confirmed to be getting their dancing shoes on this series include Will Mellor, Kym Marsh, Ellie Simmonds, Kaye Adams and Matt Goss.

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