Strictly fans raise same complaint as first four stars confirmed in 2023 line-up

05 August 2023 , 21:49

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Strictly fans raise same complaint as first four stars confirmed in 2023 line-up

will be back in a matter of weeks - with bosses looking to shake things up this series - but fans of the competition are all saying the same thing as the first four contestants have been revealed.

The four celebrities already confirmed for the 2023 series are journalist Krishnan Guru-Murthy, broadcaster Angela Rippon, actress Amanda Abbington and Bad Education star Layton Williams as they are set to take to the famous dance floor for 21st series of the competition.

TV and theatre actor Layton, 28, has starred in several West End performances, such as Billy Elliot and Everyone’s Talking About Jamie. The talented star is also known for playing Stephen Carmichael in the Bad Education movie and recently rebooted series. Layton has also starred in Beautiful People, Benidorm, The Cleaner and I Hate Suzie.

Layton said of taking part: "Absolutely buzzing to confirm that I will be taking part in THE most iconic dance competition in the UK! It's time to bring it to the Ballroom. So excited to learn new skills from the best. Bring on the sequins… ALL the sequins!"

TV and theatre actor Layton, 28, has starred in several West End performances (PA)

The actor added on The One Show: "It's been a real struggle [to keep it a secret] but I'm so excited it's finally out there and I can get buzzing about it now." Layton added of whether his stage experience will come in handy: "I'm not trained in ballroom or Latin, so I hope I'll feel confident but I am pretty nervous!" the star, who won an Attitude Award for his work and visibility in the LGBTQ+ community, said that they want a male partner on the show.

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However, Strictly fans have now raised concerns about Layton's participation in the show given his previous dancing experience. In reference to his record-breaking musical, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, the BBC Press Office wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter): “Everybody’s talking about Strictly! Film and theatre actor Layton Williams is the third celebrity contestant confirmed for Strictly Come Dancing 2023 and the Bad Education star can’t wait to ‘bring it to the ballroom."

However, the social media post was littered with some negative responses about Layton's extensive dancing experience as one unimpressed Strictly fan replied: "I mean no disrespect to him, but has he not been in a musical, with dance? If so, why does whoever’s in charge keep choosing contestants with ridiculous advantages."

Meanwhile, another echoed: "You mean DANCER Layton Williams? I think he has an advantage." While someone else complained: "Layton already has bounds of experience so how is that far? He's basically a professionally trained dancer."

BBC Strictly fans all have same complaint as first stars of 2023 line-up announced (David Fisher/REX/Shutterstock)

The Bad Education star can’t wait to ‘bring it to the ballroom' (Jed Cullen/Dave Benett/Getty Images)

"Williams is a trained dancer who also teaches dancing. Why is he on Strictly," someone else questioned. However, others were delighted to hear that the stage star was joining the BBC show as one social media user gushed: "So happy to hear Layton will be showing off his skills on Strictly. He deserves this so much."

Elsewhere, there have been multiple rumours about who might be heading for the BBC One Latin and ballroom show this winter, with names so far including the likes of Jill Scott, Loose Women's Brenda Edwards and Coronation Street star Ellie Leach. Phillip Schofield, EastEnders stars Nigel Harman and Bobby Brazier, as well as Emmerdale's Adam Thomas, are also some of the names thrown into the mix.

This year, the judging line-up is also reported to be remaining the same as it's been claimed Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke have all agreed to return to the panel to give their verdicts on the celebrity's attempts at a Tango, Paso Doble and other dances.

The Mirror has reached out to Layton's representatives and a BBC spokesperson for comment on this story.

*Strictly returns this autumn on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

Susan Knox