MAISIE Smith is gunning for glory tonight as she prepares to compete in the Strictly Come Dancing final.
The former Chalkwell Junior School pupil, who rose to stardom on BBC soap EastEnders, is now within touching distance of the famous glitterball as she continues to impress with professional dancer Gorka Márquez.
Bill Bailey, HRVY and Jamie Laing are also in the running for the top prize, but Maisie is looking to follow in the footsteps of other Essex celebrities who have shone in the hit competition.
Kara Tointon, who hails from Basildon, was crowned champion in 2010, while McFly drummer Harry Judd also triumphed a year later.
Glitterball - Basildon’s Kara Tointon (second from left) won Strictly Come Dancing alongside partner Artem Chigvintsev in 2010
The likes of Rachel Riley, Denise van Outen and Mark Wright have also competed.
Scroll down to see more famous faces from Essex to have competed in the popular BBC competition.
On the dancefloor - former Southend High School for Boys pupil and Olympic swimmer Mark Foster appeared on the show in 2008
Winner - McFly drummer Harry Judd, who grew up in south Essex, was the series nine champion with Aliona Vilani
Knockout - Basildon celebrity Denise van Outen rehearsing with professional dancer James Jordan at a LA Fitness studio in October 2012
Photocall - former Southend High School for Girls pupil Rachel Riley in 2013
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Partner - ex-TOWIE star Mark Wright teamed up with Karen Hauer six years ago and secured fourth spot
Strike a pose - singer Pixie Lott claimed sixth place in the 12th series of Strictly
Safe hands - ex-England goalkeeper Peter Shilton is a regular visitor to south Essex, with him competing in charity events at Langdon Hills Golf Club, and took part in Strictly a decade ago
Fun act - Brian Conley has featured in south Essex pantomimes in the past and starred in Strictly three years ago
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