05 October 2023 , 09:52
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Former Strictly Come Dancing star Les Dennis was left so annoyed after he saw that his former co-star Layton Williams had become the subject of online abuse, that he sent a message of support.
The 69 year old star, who failed to win over the judges with his performances on the BBC show, was eliminated from the competition last weekend. But it was clear that he has still maintained a close bond with some of the contestants that remain on the show, as he told Layton Williams to ignore the online abuse. Layton, 29, was targeted by those who felt that he was at an unfair advantage being on Strictly due to his extensive background in dance.
Les Dennis was voted off Strictly Come Dancing last Sunday (Alan Chapman/Dave Benett/Getty Images)
Layton Willimas has been abused by Strictly fans who thonk it's unfair that he has a background in dance (BBC/Guy Levy)But Les hit back back by saying on social media: "Don’t listen to the haters Layton. I was mesmerised by your and Nikita’s performance. You are a true star and that irritates some but exhilarates most. #believe x." And even former Strictly professional dancer James Jordan said that his performance with Nikita Kuzmin was sensational - but felt that he was watching two professional dancers.
In an interview with Hello magazine, the 45 year old dancer who quit the show ahead of series 12 in 2014, said: "He is a fully trained, professional dancer. When they came out, you had essentially two professional dancers next to each other. Let's not say, 'oh it's because (Layton's) really talented and has worked really hard'. Because that kind of belittles our dancing world that someone can come out and be that good after a week's training. You can't. It was probably one of my favourite dances I've ever seen on the show - but that's only because he's a professional dancer."
He continued: "Do I feel Strictly are going too far by bringing on professionally trained dancers? Yes. I would actually say to anyone thinking of doing Strictly, 'don't do Strictly unless you're dance trained in some shape or form because you don't have a chance'." When Les, who is best known for hosting the quiz show Family Fortunes, was voted off the show last Sunday, his body language led many to believe that he had formed a close bond with his Strictly pro dance partner.
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But now, reports have surfaced that claim the complete opposite as the TV personality struggled to gel with Nancy Zu during rehearsals. A source told The Sun: "Les the entertainer may have charmed audiences with his style, but behind the scenes it was a vastly different story."
They added that Les was "often moody and erratic" during rehearsals despite Nancy's constant enthusiasm. The behind the scenes source said that Les was easily annoyed in the rehearsal studio and became frustrated at the "slightest misstep" of choreography.
But in front of the camera he was a completely different person. During his exit speech he told Tess Daly: "I’ve had the best time, this lady has been amazing, a great teacher, she’s really put me through my paces... I hope I’ve entertained, that’s what I came here for. Strictly is the best and the people who put this on, you’re just all amazing!"