EXCLUSIVE: Strictly stars are frustrated at having to compete against West End star Layton Williams: ‘There is such an uneven playing field’
Strictly Come Dancing stars are becoming increasingly frustrated at having to compete against professional West End star Layton Williams, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.
The trained dancer, 29, has received a score of 39 out of 40 from the judges in the past two weeks and seems destined to win the series.
Yet he has been on stage since the age of 12, when he played the title role in the West End musical Billy Elliot.
A Strictly insider has opened up about the anger and dismay that Williams has so much more experience than other contestants, saying he is at least on the same level as his professional partner, Nikita Kuzmin, which “goes against the spirit of the show ‘.
The source said: ‘Of course there have always been dancers of different levels on Strictly, that’s part of the greatness of the show.
Issue: Strictly Come Dancing stars are becoming increasingly frustrated at having to compete against professional West End star Layton Williams, The Mail on Sunday can reveal
Talent: The trained dancer has scored 39 out of 40 by the jury in the past two weeks and seems destined to win the series
‘But this is ridiculous, he is as good or even better than his professional partner. There’s such an uneven playing field here that it’s not a chance for any of the other contestants to win, even if viewers enjoy watching a celebrity’s journey.
“While there may not be a rule that professional dancers cannot participate, this is absolutely against the spirit of the show.
“Look at someone like Krishnan Guru-Murthy, he has built a huge fan base and is great to watch, and Angela Rippon. But they are blown out of the water every week by someone who is a professional dancer.’
Williams’ appearance on Strictly comes five years after pop star Ashley Roberts was criticized by Strictly fans for having an unfair advantage because she had studied dance in her youth.
The Pussycat Dolls singer repeatedly found herself in the bottom two as viewers pitted her against her. The reaction, which repeatedly brought her to tears, was so intense that even presenter Tess Daly appealed to voters to ‘cut her some slack’.
Williams, who will be dancing the tango to Olivia Rodrigo’s Vampire on tonight’s Halloween show, has wowed the judges since appearing on Strictly. Last week he got 10s from Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke and a 9 from Craig Revel Horwood.
The 29-year-old’s musical theater credits include Hairspray!, Rent, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie and playing the young Michael Jackson in Thriller Live! – although he lost that job when his voice broke.
He beat out more than 4,000 other hopefuls to get his big breakout role in Billy Elliot, where he danced complicated ballet routines every night.
Experience: A Strictly insider has opened up about the anger and upset that Williams has so much more experience than other competitors
An insider said: ‘There is such an uneven playing field here that it is not a chance for any of the other competitors to win’
He previously trained at the Carol Godby Theater Workshop in his native Bury and won a scholarship to the prestigious Italia Conti Academy of Theater Arts, which also trained former Strictly contestants Pixie Lott and Kelly Brook.
Speaking about the criticism of his ‘unfair advantage’, Williams said: ‘I’ve taken it on the chin, I understand what everyone is saying. But if you could be a fly on the wall in this practice room, that’s not easy for me.”
And in another interview he said his stage experience was not directly relevant to Strictly, insisting: ‘I can’t stress enough how different (Strictly is)… it’s like a plumber trying to become an electrician!’
Other celebrities who have been criticized for their previous dancing experience include former Girls Aloud singer Kimberley Walsh, model Abbey Clancy, actress Maisie Smith and singer Fleur East.
COME STRICTLY DANCE 2023: THE PROFILES OF THE PARTICIPANTS
Angela Rippon
Age: 78
Profession: Journalist
Angela says: ‘Having been a Strictly fan since day one and as a former presenter of Come Dancing, this will be quite an adventure for me. A scary one, as I’m about to turn 79. But I’m looking forward to the challenge and perhaps the opportunity to learn to dance the Argentine Tango.’
Amanda Abbington
Age: 49
Profession: Actress
Amanda says: ‘I’m thrilled to have been asked to do Strictly. I’m actually very shy and self-conscious, so this will be a great opportunity for me to overcome those things.”
Layton Williams
Age: 28
Profession: Actor
Layton says: ‘Absolutely exciting to confirm that I will be taking part in Britain’s most iconic dancing competition! It’s time to take it to the ballroom. I’m so excited to learn new skills from the best. Bring on the sequins… ALL the sequins!’
Age: 53
Profession: Journalist
Krishnan says: ‘I’m surprised, delighted and slightly confused that I’m joining Strictly on the basis of ‘You only live once!’ I can’t wait to start dancing, but I’m a little worried about my general decline.”
Age: 40
Profession: Comedian and radio host
Eddy says: ‘WOW. Anyone who knows me understands that music and dance are so important and central to who I am. I’m so incredibly proud and honored that Strictly and the BBC have asked me to join the 2023 team. I promise I’ll give you everything I’ve got. This is going to be a VIBE.
Angela Scanlon
Age: 39
Profession: TV presenter
Angela says:I’m not particularly fit, I have no idea how my pelvic floor will react to this dancing. I’ve never danced, apart from drunkenly jiving at a wedding!’
Age: 26
Profession: Documentary maker and former Love Island star
Zara says: ‘I’m so excited to be part of the world of Strictly! I grew up watching it every year with my grandma and she was the biggest Strictly fan. We danced around the house and I have such fond memories of that time in my life.”
Adam Thomas
Age: 34
Profession: Actor and presenter
Adam says: ‘I can’t dance to save my life, but I like to learn and laugh with my professional. Take me to the dance floor… I can’t wait!’
Age: 22
Profession: Coronation Street star
Ellie says: ‘It still doesn’t feel real that I’m going to do Strictly!! It’s always been a dream of mine, so I guess dreams really do come true!!!!’
Age: 20
Profession: EastEnders star and model
Bobby says: ‘I’m so excited to be part of the Strictly line-up, I can’t wait to start training as a professional dancer and add a few moves to my locker. I look forward to performing for everyone.”
Nigel Harman
Age: 49
Profession: Actor
Nigel says: ‘I’m amazed, excited and terrified to be doing Strictly. As an armchair fan of the show, I watched in awe as people twisted and turned around the screen. And now it’s my turn…gulp!’
Age: 57
Profession: Announcer and ex-tennis player
Annabel says: ‘I’ve always loved watching Strictly and can’t quite believe I’m going to be part of this magical show – swapping tennis balls for glitter balls and I’m looking forward to finding some joy in the process.’