Layton Williams will partner a man on Strictly as bosses eye same-sex couple win

25 July 2023 , 20:01

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Layton Williams with Jack Whitehall in Bad Education (Image: BBC / Tiger Aspect Productions)

Bad Education star Layton Williams has asked for a male pro partner in this year’s Strictly Come Dancing.

BBC bosses are desperate for a successful all-male pair after Radio 2 traffic host Richie Anderson and Giovanni Pernice went out in week three last year.

Openly gay Layton, 28, praised for his lead role in stage musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, says dancing is his first love and runs a dance company.

A source said: “This year everyone is hoping for a same-sex couple who can go the distance. Layton is a phenomenal performer, the pros will probably queue up to work with him.”

Layton in the Billy Eliot musical (Filmmagic)

Layton onstage in Everybody's Talking About Jamie (Dan Wooller/REX/Shutterstock)

Graziano Di Prima, who has danced on-screen with pal and fellow pro Johannes Radebe, is one likely contender.

EastEnders' Jake Wood's snap of son has fans pointing out the pair's likeness

Layton found fame at 12 in the title role of Billy Elliot: The Musical and played a pupil-turned-teacher in Jack Whitehall’s comedy Bad Education.

Other celebs rumoured to be taking part this year include Angela Rippon, 78, who would be Strictly’s oldest contestant, and This Morning host Josie Gibson.

Nicola Methven