Strictly legend wades into show fix row – saying ‘if you don’t already have dance training you’re doomed’
STRICTLY Come Dancing legend James Jordan has waded into the ongoing 'fix' row over trained dancers competing in the show.
James, a former Strictly pro, has even warned celebrities not to bother signing up for any future series' unless they have had dance training.
This year West End star Layton Williams, who has a successful career performing in mega musicals, is taking part.
TV presenter Angela Scanlon has also been hit with controversy after it was revealed she danced with the O’Shea Irish Dance Company and performed internationally with the group.
James has now spoken out and accused the BBC of "going too far" by signing up people who have previously received professional dance training.
Speaking to , James admitted that Layton's performance with partner Nikita Kuzmin on Saturday was among his "favourite" dances ever from the show.
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But he 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."
James continued: "Do I feel Strictly are going too far by bringing on professionally trained l dancers? Yes.
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"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'."
Layton has starred in the musicals Billy Elliot and Everybody's Talking About Jamie.
On Strictly last weekend, he and Nikita performed a samba and seriously impressed the judges.
But fans are struggling to see past Layton's professional dance training.
Moaning on X, formerly known as Twitter, one said: "He’s a west end dancer since 12!!! He’s unbelievably good, played billy eliiott and MJ in thriller, possibly better than the pro’s but ticks every box…."
Another agreed: "The poor other contestants like 78 year old Angela are wasting there precious time to this box ticking bull s**** agenda."
A third wrote: "How is Layton Williams allowed to be on Strictly? He’s a professional dancer. Played the lead in Billy Elliott and Michael Jackson. Not fair."
And someone else said: "Get Layton Williams off @bbcstrictly he’s a professional dancer who has been at theatre school since he was 14 and performed in the West End, what a con. #strictly."
Layton first followed his performing arts talent when he studied street dance and drama at Carol Godby's Theatre workshop in Bury.
He has also studied ballet at Centre Pointe, Manchester.
Layton was then awarded a scholarship to Sylvia Young Theatre School in Marylebone, London and stayed there until 2008.
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He attended Broad Oak High School in Bury, and then attended the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts.
Other recent stage credits include Rent, Hairspray The Musical and The Car Man. The Sun contacted the BBC for comment.
