Actress Molly Rainford burst onto EastEnders in 2023 when the Knight family were welcomed onto Albert Square.
The 24-year-old is portraying Anna Knight on the BBC One soap, the long-lost daughter of soap icon Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins). Her on-screen dad, George, is also being played by James Bond star Colin Salmon.
But before Molly arrived in Walford, her entertainment journey began at 11 years old when she competed on Britain’s Got Talent in 2012.
In her audition, she belted out a version of Jennifer Hudson’s One Night Only from the film and musical Dreamgirls. Her song in the final was Beyoncé’s take on Ave Maria.
However, despite not winning competition, Molly’s involvement on the talent show was pivotal in her life and career.
She told TV Mag: “I still like making music and I’ve always loved to perform. I think that’s why I love doing the job I do now. Britain’s Got Talent was definitely a springboard into what I wanted to do.”
Having reached the top six acts in BGT, show boss Simon Cowell was wowed by Molly’s vocals.
According to The Sun, Simon helped the schoolgirl land a place at the famous Sylvia Young Theatre School in London, thanks to sponsorship from Sony Music.
Molly added: “He got the meetings to go ahead. I was very lucky. So many kids go on that show, and I never wanted to be a one-hit wonder, I wanted to do this when I’m older.
“Instead of jumping straight into a record deal, Sony paid for my education and I couldn’t have got a better prize from the show.”
In the years afterwards, Molly became a CBBC presenter at 14 and in 2021, landed her breakthrough acting role in kids’ sci-fi series Nova Jones.
In 2022, the star made it all the way to the Strictly Come Dancing final with her professional partner, Carlos Gu.
Although she didn’t win the Glitterball trophy, she did win the heart of fellow contestant, DJ and presenter Tyler West.
The pair regularly share updates with fans on their Instagram profiles and their relationship appears to be going from strength to strength.
