Fright KNIGHT!

MOLLY RAINFORD on her first Halloween in Walford, life after Strictly and how Simon Cowell helped her on the path to stardom...

- ALISON SLADE

EASTENDERS 

MONDAY-THURSDAY,

TIMES VARY, BBC1 SOAP

She lit up the dance floor in Strictly Come Dancing last year when she was partnered with new pro Carlos Gu, and she’s been making waves in EastEnders since June as Anna Knight, youngest daughter of boxer-turned-publican George Knight and iconic Walford minx Cindy Beale.

But Molly Rainford never dreamt that either BBC1 show would be part of her future. As a child, she had her heart set on becoming a singer, and was offered a record deal by Simon Cowell in 2012 when, aged 11, she became the youngest-ever finalist on ITV’s entertainment juggernaut Britain’s Got Talent.

Refreshed from a recent trip to Cyprus, Molly, 22, caught up with TV Times to talk about her whirlwind 12 months…

The Knights have been front and centre of EastEnders since they arrived in Walford earlier this year. What has that experience been like?

One of the first pieces of advice I was given was that EastEnders is like a roller coaster that ebbs and flows – there are busy times and quieter times. I feel like I’m on the first lap at the moment and I’m still getting used to it.

Being in The Queen Vic has been a help, because you get to be part of the drama quicker. Even if you’re not in a scene, you’ll be a bystander. I’m learning as an actress, so it’s nice to watch the pros who have been there 20-plus years. And it’s definitely a blessing to come in as part of a family. We were all there to support each other.

What can you tell us about your first Walford Halloween?