From the cobbled streets of Albert Square to the bright lights of the stage, Maisie Smith has been on quite a journey. The actress, who became a household name as Tiffany Butcher in EastEnders, joined the soap at just six years old and grew up before viewers’ eyes.

After leaving the show in 2021 — with a brief comeback the following year — Maisie has been carving a new path for herself. Now starring as Marge Sherwood in the stage production of The Talented Mr Ripley, she’s proving that life after Walford can be just as thrilling.

But in a recent interview, Maisie revealed that her career almost took a very different turn.

---

“I Turned Down Opportunities Out of Fear”

Speaking to Ox in a Box, Maisie admitted that insecurity once stopped her from saying yes to new roles.

“I spent so many years questioning whether I was good enough to do other things,” she confessed. “I turned down a lot of opportunities — things I now regret — out of pure fear.”

After leaving EastEnders, the actress was warned that the industry outside the soap world could be “brutal.” That fear almost held her back — until she made a promise to herself to take more chances.

“It was scary to leave EastEnders, but I’ve learned to trust my gut instinct,” she said. “So yes, I do think I’ve been brave, but I’m loving it.”

---

Taking the Stage: From Camera to Curtain Call

Maisie’s latest challenge sees her stepping into a role once played by Hollywood names — and she admits it’s been both intimidating and liberating.

“At first, I thought, ‘These are big shoes to fill,’ but then I realised — they wouldn’t have cast me if they didn’t believe in me,” Maisie said. “That’s all the reassurance I needed.”

The transition from screen to stage has also taught her a new kind of discipline.

“On TV, you can just raise an eyebrow to show emotion,” she laughed. “On stage, you have to project every feeling to the back row. It’s a completely different skillset.”

Maisie said she’s enjoying the slower pace of theatre compared to the whirlwind of daily filming. “Having months to rehearse and really dig into the role has been amazing,” she said. “It’s more exciting than I ever expected.”

---

Maisie’s Toughest Challenge: Celebrity SAS

The actress also reflected on her gruelling experience on Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, where she became the smallest and lightest contestant ever to win.

Appearing on Sunday Brunch, Maisie became emotional watching clips from the show.

“It was worse than you could even imagine,” she said, holding back tears. “It was intense. Brutal. But I just didn’t want to be the girl that quits — I’m very proud of myself.”

Her determination earned her the nickname “Pocket Rocket,” and the title still fits.

---

Will Tiffany Butcher Ever Return to Walford?

As for her EastEnders future, fans are still hoping Tiffany might stroll back into the Queen Vic one day.

Maisie didn’t rule it out completely.

“Not for the minute,” she teased, “but you never really leave EastEnders. You could die on that show and come back in a couple of weeks!”

So, while Tiffany may be off-screen for now, Maisie’s love for the Square — and its fans — clearly hasn’t faded.