Maddie Ingoldsby has been partnered with Love Island star Cach Mercer as she makes her Strictly Come Dancing debut.
Maddie Ingoldsby makes her Strictly debut as a professional dancer(Image: BBC)
BBC hit Strictly Come Dancing has offered a warm welcome to one of five new professionals Maddie Ingoldsby, who was blessed to have been given a partner to perform with in her debut year, and has already shared her thoughts on her first dance with Cach Mercer. The 21-year-old is a UK National Ballroom Champion and eight-time Amateur 10-Dance World Champion from Bournemouth.
Her accolades do not stop there, as she was also crowned World Rising Star and Under 21 World Ballroom Champion. The young star said joining Strictly as one of the professionals is “truly a dream come true”, adding: “My heart is so full of gratitude, excitement, and anticipation as I begin this incredible new chapter.
“Dance has always been where I feel most myself, and to now share my heart, my creativity, and my love for it on a show that has inspired millions is an honour beyond words.” Here is all you need to know about the new dance expert.
Maddie Ingoldsby’s childhood fame and acting roles
As a child, Maddie played Annie in the West End and went on to make her television debut on Strictly: It Takes Two, before going on to perform in a group number on the main show’s Christmas special. She also had an unexpected acting role in the hit film Last Christmas, starring Emma Thompson and Emilia Clarke.
She played a younger version of the lead character, a former singer called Kate, played by Game of Thrones legend Clarke. Just 14 years old at the time, she appeared in a childhood flashback filmed at St Sophia Cathedral in West London.
The scene saw Kate perform a version of Heal the Pain by George Michael and Paul McCartney, while backed by a children’s choir. Her huge breakthrough was reported on by the Henley Standard and the publication explained how Maddie had been singing, dancing and acting since she was six.
The report went on to reveal how Maddie forgot the lyrics to the song while performing because she was “nervous, jet-lagged and recovering from a cold”. Despite this, she was accepted for the role. At the time, Maddie said of the experience: “I was so excited when I heard the good news and the shoot itself was amazing. I was treated like royalty — they had breakfast waiting for me first thing in the morning and Emma was in the room when I was having my hair and make-up done.
“She was so lovely, like a big mum figure, and was hugging everyone and saying what a great job they’d done. She was very down-to-earth, which you wouldn’t think from some of the roles she has done, but she’s very different in real life.” Maddie had said while she enjoyed the filming experience, she wanted to continue focusing on her dancing, adding: “I really enjoy being a ‘triple threat’ rather than doing just the one thing and I don’t want to narrow anything down.”
Maddie Ingoldsby
Many Strictly fans have noticed that Maddie has a scar on her face, and while the dancer has not addressed how she ended up with it, she took to TikTok to stand up to people who have questioned why she has not had it removed. On TikTok, she shared a video of herself with her facial scar visible, as a question appeared on the screen reading: “Are you ever going to get rid of the scar on your face?”
The video’s title was Embracing Scars: A Personal Journey of Acceptance, with Maddie adding: “I love this trend, it’s a part of me now.” Looking as glamorous as ever in the video, she proudly showed off her scar. Fans flocked to the comments to show their support, with one saying: “I actually think it’s beautiful, uniqueness in a world so desperate for everyone to look the same as everyone else.”
Another added: “You are absolutely gorgeous, that is a fact, scar or no scar.” A final fan shared: “You are perfect because you are unique!”
Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One on Saturday at 6.15pm
