Strictly Come Dancing to 'ruffle feathers' after signing West End star

19 July 2023 , 16:48

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Layton Williams has reportedly signed up to appear on Strictly Come Dancing (Image: Jed Cullen/Dave Benett/Getty Ima)

Layton Williams could be swapping the West End for the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom, according to reports.

The trained actor and dancer, who burst onto the scene aged 12 after landing a role in the West End production of Billy Elliot The Musical, is one of the latest names to have reportedly signed on the dotted line.

Layton, 28, has gone on to have a show-stopping career, performing in the likes of Everybody's Talking About Jamie, Hairspray!, Rent, Thriller Live, as well as a leading role in Bad Education. During his tenure in Billy Elliot, the actor performed 16 pirouettes showcasing his incredible talent.

Layton's appearance could ruffle some feathers as he's no stranger to the stage – as he's pictured performing with the Billy Elliot cast (Getty Images)

Ahead of landing roles, Layton previously attended the prestigious Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts, which boasts the likes of Derek Hough, Kelly Brook, Claire Sweeney and Sadie Frost as former students. But sources now claim that Layton's appearance on Strictly could upset others who may not have as much experience as him.

"Layton is an incredible dancer and performer," a source told the MailOnline before adding: "Strictly bosses signing him for the show will ruffle some feathers because he is professionally trained and has extensive experience with learning difficult choreography, which many of the contestants, especially those from a sporting or political background, will at first find impossible.

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"The show has been criticised in the past for recruiting contestants with a background in dance and this year will be no different as Layton is a star in his own right and known for being an impeccable dancer on stage."

Stephen pictured alongside Charlie Wernham and Jack Whitehall on Bad Education (BBC / Tiger Aspect Productions)

In recent days, the BBC has explained they won't be commenting on names that have are being speculated about but, sources have claimed television star Angela Rippon, 78, could be the oldest-ever contestant to take to the dance floor – after hosting the original programme, Come Dancing. An insider said: "She was Mrs Come Dancing, so what a wonderful thing that she is going to be on Strictly all these years later. She is the dream signing."

Meanwhile, former Coronation Street actress Ellie Leach is also said to be one of the latest additions to the programme following her exit from the ITV soap. Speaking to The Sun, a source said: "This could be just the tonic for Ellie, who’s had some huge life changes this year and could do with something fresh to focus on.

"The dance contest will also give her a chance to get glammed up in a way which she rarely did on the cobbles of Weatherfield as Faye was a comparatively frumpy character."

Daniel Bird