Maddie Ingoldsby makes her Strictly Come Dancing debut as one of five new professional dancers, and has already been paired with a celebrity partner for her inaugural season. The 21-year-old from Bournemouth holds the title of UK National Ballroom Champion and is an eight-time Amateur 10-Dance World Champion, along with the World Rising Star and Under 21 World Ballroom Champion titles.
A dream come true
Describing her arrival on the show, Maddie said: "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."
Her first routine with partner Cach Mercer was a Quickstep, and she has already shared her initial impressions following the performance.
Early stardom and screen appearances
In her younger years, Maddie portrayed Annie in the West End before making her television debut on Strictly: It Takes Two, later performing in a group routine during the main programme's Christmas special. She also secured a surprise acting part in the film Last Christmas, starring Emma Thompson and Emilia Clarke.
She played a younger version of the main character, former vocalist Kate, portrayed by Game of Thrones star Clarke. Aged just 14 at the time, she featured in a childhood flashback sequence shot at St Sophia Cathedral in West London, showing Kate performing a rendition of Heal the Pain by George Michael and Paul McCartney with a children's choir.
Her big break was covered by the Henley Standard, which detailed how Maddie had been involved in singing, dancing and acting from the age of six. The article revealed that she had forgotten the words to the song while performing because she was "nervous, jet-lagged and recovering from a cold". Nevertheless, she secured the part.
Reflecting on the opportunity, Maddie said at the time: "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." While she relished the filming opportunity, she wanted to keep concentrating on her dancing, stating: "I really enjoy being a 'triple threat' rather than doing just the one thing and I don't want to narrow anything down."
Embracing her scar
Numerous Strictly enthusiasts have noticed that Maddie bears a scar on her face, and while the dancer has not discussed its origin, she used TikTok to challenge those questioning why she has not had it removed. She posted footage of herself with her facial scar clearly visible, as text appeared on screen asking: "Are you ever going to get rid of the scar on your face?"
The clip's caption read Embracing Scars: A Personal Journey of Acceptance, with Maddie stating: "I love this trend, it's a part of me now." Supporters rushed to the comments to express their backing, 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 commented: "Gives me, beautiful but dangerous. I like it." One said: "I actually love it sm." A final supporter remarked: "Man I love scars. They're our memories engraved in our skin."
Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One on Saturday at 6.15pm.
