MAISIE Smith broke down in tears after being surprised with a sweet video message from her granddad.
The EastEnders actress was overwhelmed with emotion when she saw her “grandy” appear on-screen after months apart.
He said: “Hello Maisie. I just wanted to say how proud I am of you watching you dance.
“Especially in those high heels because I only ever see you in trainers. I just don’t know how you do it.
“You are a little gem and I miss you so much and can’t wait to see you. All the best and good luck.”
Sobbing Maisie said: “Thanks Grandy” but struggled to say anything else.
Host Claudia Winkleman said: “It’s so hard, but he’s so proud.”
Maisie then got her scores in from the judges and was thrilled to get 29 out of 30.
“They are your first tens and that’s the highest quickstep of the series,” said Claudia.
Maisie was in the bottom two last week for the second week running.
On comments that she has been too “cocky” and “arrogant” for viewers to warm to her, Maisie told the Mirror: “People forget I am a 19-year-old girl. I’d ask people maybe not to judge my character on certain faces I pull when I’m dancing and maybe don’t be too quick to guess who someone is.
“I’m not confident in myself at all and I’m trying to be more confident, let’s not hate.
“When I was asked to do Strictly, as much as I was so excited, part of me thought it wasn’t the best idea for me because I’m too shy.
“Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve put on a confident front to cover up my nerves and maybe that came across in a different light than what I intended.”
Maisie is best known for playing Tiffany Butcher in EastEnders.
