Maddie might just grow on me because she's played by the better actor of the two. I find it such a shame that her vulnerable situation has been used to make her as unsympathetic as possible, when the opposite should be true. I'm very sympathetic to people in similar plights in real life, but Maddie has no warmth or hidden vulnerability about her to make me like her. It's perfectly possible to write and act a character who's hard on the outside but shows glimpses of a softer side under the defensive facade. She just seems out for herself and ungrateful for any help (although I can certainly understand her dislike of the judgemental Sally).
If the writing improves for Maddie, she may just become a likeable character though - as Becky once did. The latter was scheming and heartless when first introduced but became a favourite character of mine.
I think I've had enough time for Sophie to grow on me though. That isn't likely to happen now![]()