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Metro
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
EastEnders star Molly Rainford has a famous dad - do you recognise him?
EastEnders star Molly Rainford is best known for pulling pints in The Queen Vic alongside her family in Walford. But appearing as Anna Knight in the long-running BBC soap opera isn't Mollie's first rodeo – she auditioned for Britain's Got Talent in 2012, at the age of only 11. From there, she made it through to the final, finishing in sixth place, behind eventual winners Ashleigh Butler and performing dog Pudsey. After attending theatre school, she went on to appear as a presenter on the CBBC's entertainment series Friday Download from 2014 to 2016. Starring as Nova Jones in the comedy-drama series of the same name, she went on to appear as a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing in 2022, before being cast as EastEnders' Anna Knight a year later. At 24 years old, Molly has already had a remarkable career. And she's not the only star in her family either – being the daughter of former football legend Dave Rainford. 46-year-old Dave began his career in 1997, playing for Colchester United. From there, he went on to play for Slough Town, Heybridge Swift, Bishop's Stortford and AFC Hornchurch. In 2008, he signed on as a midfielder for Chelmsford City, becoming their Captain and later assistant manager in 2012. Dave hung up his boots in 2014, and now serves as head of education and academy player care with the Premier League. This fact has been rediscovered by viewers on Reddit, while others were suprised to learn how long former child star Molly has been in the industry. 'Wow I had no idea she did that before surprising and cool,' said JazzlikeTea7432. More Trending 'i used to watch her in friday download as a kid! she was part of the recast which went on for a while :)' exclaimed MARN-E. Since joining EastEnders, Molly has been at the heart of a number of recent storylines – including being spiked while on a night out last year. The resulting anguish led to her split from boyfriend Bobby Beale (Clay Milner Russell) as she took comfort in the arms of pal Feddie Slater (Bobby Brazier) – although their relationship wasn't to last either, once she learned he'd cheated on her with her own sister (Francesca Henry). View More » In real life, Molly also has a famous partner – Kiss FM presenter Tyler West, 29, who she met on the 20th series of Strictly Come Dancing. If you've got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@ – we'd love to hear from you. Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage. MORE: EastEnders confirms unexpected news about show's biggest legend – just weeks after return
Rhyl Journal
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
EastEnders' Molly Rainford has a famous dad, fans reveal
Rainford started her EastEnders career in June 2023 and her character is the daughter of George Knight and Cindy Beale. In 2022, the 24-year-old took part in Strictly Come Dancing with professional dancer Carlos Gu and the pair made it to the finals but missed out on the Glitterball trophy as CBeebies star Hamza Yassin was crowned the winner alongside his professional partner Jowita Przystal. The actor and singer found fame on Britain's Got Talent (BGT) when she progressed to the finals of the ITV show in 2012, aged 11, reports The Mirror. A post shared by Molly Rainford (@mollyrainford) The newspaper said Simon Cowell was impressed so much with her BGT performance that 'she was awarded their first ever drama school scholarship to the Sylvia Young Theatre School' which 'led to her landing roles on CBBC presenting Friday Download and starring in sci-fi series Nova Jones.' She's not the only famous Rainford in her family as her dad is former footballer Dave Rainford. The Mirror said: 'The 46-year-old started at Colchester United as a teenager before going on to play for Slough Town, Heybridge Swift, Bishop's Stortford and AFC Hornchurch. A post shared by Molly Rainford (@mollyrainford) 'The midfielder joined Chelmsford City (in) 2008 before becoming their assistant manager in 2012. After retiring from football in 2014, Dave now works in a top job for the Premier League, as Head of Education & Academy Player Care.' EastEnders fans started a discussion on Reddit after finding out who Molly's dad is and debated whether she is a 'nepo baby' or not. Recommended reading: EastEnders' new star has a very famous mum who has appeared on the soap before EastEnders icon Danny Dyer reveals the real reason he left the BBC soap EastEnders fans 'gutted' as last remaining BBC soap family member to exit This suggests some think her success is due to her dad's career and success but some pointed out that they work in totally different industries. According to the Mirror, one fan said on Reddit: 'That's a lot of nepotism' while another said: 'None of it is nepotism - it isn't family connections that have helped her out she was just lucky enough to have been given a massive opportunity at a young age.' Another said: 'I don't see how she's a nepo baby when neither of her parents have any connection to TV or film.'
South Wales Guardian
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Guardian
EastEnders' Molly Rainford has a famous dad, fans reveal
Rainford started her EastEnders career in June 2023 and her character is the daughter of George Knight and Cindy Beale. In 2022, the 24-year-old took part in Strictly Come Dancing with professional dancer Carlos Gu and the pair made it to the finals but missed out on the Glitterball trophy as CBeebies star Hamza Yassin was crowned the winner alongside his professional partner Jowita Przystal. The actor and singer found fame on Britain's Got Talent (BGT) when she progressed to the finals of the ITV show in 2012, aged 11, reports The Mirror. A post shared by Molly Rainford (@mollyrainford) The newspaper said Simon Cowell was impressed so much with her BGT performance that 'she was awarded their first ever drama school scholarship to the Sylvia Young Theatre School' which 'led to her landing roles on CBBC presenting Friday Download and starring in sci-fi series Nova Jones.' She's not the only famous Rainford in her family as her dad is former footballer Dave Rainford. The Mirror said: 'The 46-year-old started at Colchester United as a teenager before going on to play for Slough Town, Heybridge Swift, Bishop's Stortford and AFC Hornchurch. A post shared by Molly Rainford (@mollyrainford) 'The midfielder joined Chelmsford City (in) 2008 before becoming their assistant manager in 2012. After retiring from football in 2014, Dave now works in a top job for the Premier League, as Head of Education & Academy Player Care.' EastEnders fans started a discussion on Reddit after finding out who Molly's dad is and debated whether she is a 'nepo baby' or not. Recommended reading: EastEnders' new star has a very famous mum who has appeared on the soap before EastEnders icon Danny Dyer reveals the real reason he left the BBC soap EastEnders fans 'gutted' as last remaining BBC soap family member to exit This suggests some think her success is due to her dad's career and success but some pointed out that they work in totally different industries. According to the Mirror, one fan said on Reddit: 'That's a lot of nepotism' while another said: 'None of it is nepotism - it isn't family connections that have helped her out she was just lucky enough to have been given a massive opportunity at a young age.' Another said: 'I don't see how she's a nepo baby when neither of her parents have any connection to TV or film.'
Edinburgh Live
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
EastEnders' Molly Rainford has a very famous dad and fans are only just realising
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info EastEnders actress Molly Rainford, known for her role as Anna Knight, has a rather famous father - a fact that fans are only just catching onto thanks to social media. Rainford portrays the character of Anna Knight, daughter of George Knight and Cindy Beale in the popular BBC soap. She made her debut in Albert Square in June 2023 and is fast approaching her two-year anniversary on the show. The 24 year old is also recognised for her stint on Strictly Come Dancing in 2022, where she was paired with professional dancer Carlos Gu. Despite making it to the finals, she was pipped to the post by CBeebies star Hamza Yassin and Jowita Przystal, who took home the glitterball trophy that year. READ MORE - Kate Middleton's 'very strict' rule for her children 'just as important as maths' READ MORE - Queen's favourite sandwich she had 'for every afternoon tea' since she was a girl Rainford is currently dating her Strictly co-star, KISS DJ Tyler West, after sparks flew between them on the show. The couple took their relationship up a notch in January 2024 when they announced they had moved in together. However, acting and dancing aren't Rainford's only claims to fame. She first rose to prominence following her rendition of Ave Maria in the Britain's Got Talent finals in 2012, at the tender age of 11, reports the Mirror. Moreover, she isn't the only well-known figure in her family. Her father is ex-footballer Dave Rainford. The 46 year old began his career at Colchester United as a teenager before playing for Slough Town, Heybridge Swift, Bishop's Stortford and AFC Hornchurch. The former midfielder joined Chelmsford City in 2008 and later became their assistant manager in 2012. After hanging up his boots in 2014, Dave now holds a senior position in the Premier League, serving as Head of Education and Academy Player Care. EastEnders enthusiasts flocked to Reddit to discuss whether Molly could be considered a 'nepo baby' following the revelation of her father's identity, despite his career being in a completely different sector. Some viewers were quick to highlight that Molly had wowed Britain's Got Talent judge Simon Cowell during her stint on the ITV programme, earning herself the show's inaugural drama school scholarship to the Sylvia Young Theatre School. This opportunity paved the way for her to secure presenting gigs on CBBC's Friday Download and a lead role in the sci-fi series Nova Jones. One viewer expressed their opinion bluntly: "That's a lot of nepotism". Yet another fan leapt to her defence, countering with: "None of it is nepotism - it isn't family connections that have helped her out she was just lucky enough to have been given a massive opportunity at a young age." Another chimed in, arguing that her father's football ties wouldn't have been influential in her music or TV career, stating: "I don't see how she's a nepo baby when neither of her parents have any connection to TV or film." While Molly has acknowledged a celebrity who she feels "changed my life", she was not referring to her dad Dave but rather to music impresario Simon Cowell. Reflecting on her journey, she shared: "I did Britain's Got Talent in 2012 when I was 11 years old. "That definitely changed my life because after getting to the finals, I was sponsored by Sony Music and Simon Cowell to go to the Sylvia Young theatre school. From those auditions throughout school, I got into the CBBC world." The renowned theatre school in London has been instrumental in launching the careers of numerous music icons such as Amy Winehouse, Adele, Rita Ora, and Dua Lipa. Notable alumni also include singer and actor Billie Piper, Spice Girl Emma Bunton, All Saints' Mel Blatt and Nicole Appleton, Busted's Matt Willis, McFly's Tom Fletcher, and EastEnders' stars Kara Tointon, Letitia Dean, and Samantha Womack. (Image: WireImage)
