New Strictly Come Dancing professional Maddie Ingoldsby has addressed comments about her facial scar in a bold social media video. The dancer, who is partnered with Love Island star Cach Mercer, took to TikTok to hit back at those questioning why she hasn't had the scar surgically removed.
In the clip, Maddie showcased herself with her facial scar clearly visible, while a question flashed up on screen asking: "Are you ever going to get rid of the scar on your face?" The video was titled Embracing Scars: A Personal Journey of Acceptance, with Maddie declaring: "I love this trend, it's a part of me now."
Supporters rally behind the dancer
Supporters rushed to the comments section to back her, with one writing: "I actually think it's beautiful, uniqueness in a world so desperate for everyone to look the same as everyone else." Another admirer gushed: "You are perfect because you are unique!"
Maddie has not revealed how she acquired the scar. She is one of five new professionals warmly embraced by Strictly and received a partner for her inaugural year. She has already spoken about her opening routine with Cach, which was a Quickstep.
Champion dancer with West End roots
The 21-year-old is a UK National Ballroom Champion and eight-time Amateur 10-Dance World Champion from Bournemouth. She has also claimed the titles of World Rising Star and Under 21 World Ballroom Champion.
Maddie described joining Strictly as a professional as "truly a dream come true", stating: "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."
From Annie to Last Christmas
During her younger years, Maddie portrayed Annie in the West End before making her television debut on Strictly: It Takes Two, followed by a group routine in the main programme's Christmas special. She also secured a part in the film Last Christmas, featuring Emma Thompson and Emilia Clarke.
She played a younger version of the main character, Kate, a former vocalist portrayed by Clarke. At 14, she featured in a childhood flashback sequence shot at St Sophia Cathedral in West London, showing Kate performing Heal the Pain by George Michael and Paul McCartney with a children's choir.
Her breakthrough was covered by the Henley Standard, which detailed how Maddie had been performing, dancing and acting from the age of six. The publication disclosed how she blanked on the song's words during her performance due to being "nervous, jet-lagged and recovering from a cold". Nevertheless, she secured the part.
Reflecting on the experience, Maddie commented: "I was really panicking during the first audition and I thought I'd done really badly but I guess the lady could tell that I could sing. I was really annoyed with myself and thought I'd messed up my first good opportunity as I'd nailed it in the car before we got there."
"Mum was saying 'don't worry, there'll be other chances' and when I heard I'd got a second audition I was shocked, although not as much as when I actually got the part. I felt a lot of pressure at the second audition and I was nervous but it went fine once I started."
"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."
Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One on Saturday at 6.15pm.
