Unveiling the Enigmatic Dance Phenomenon on BBC's Acclaimed Show: Meet Layton Williams, the Breakthrough Star of Strictly Come Dancing

2023-09-17 01:45:04

Meet Layton Williams - Strictly Come Dancing Star

Stage and screen actor Layton Williams was announced in August as a new cast member for the 21st series of Strictly Come Dancing.

Williams, 29, is best known on-stage for his leading performances in the West End productions of Billy Elliot and Everyone's Talking About Jamie, as well as his roles in popular TV programmes.

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Layton also runs his own performing arts company - Pros From The Shows - which, along with his personal performance background, should set him up as one of the series favourites.

The performer will also be making history in the competition by challenging traditional gender roles in dance - but, who is Layton Williams, what has he starred in, and in what way could he ruffle feathers in this year's celebrity competition?

Layton Williams: Early Life and Education

Layton Williams was born on September 13, 1994, in Bury, Greater Manchester, England.

He was educated at Broad Oak High School in Bury, as well being grated a scholarship at the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts - which has also been attended by the likes of former Strictly contestants Pixie Lott and Kelly Brook.

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The musical theatre pro attended Carol Goldby's Theatre workshop in Bury where he studied street dance and drama, and also attended Centre Pointe in Manchester, studying ballet.

After being awarded a scholarship, Layton attended the renowned Sylvia Young Theatre School - whose alumni includes Amy Winehouse and Rita Ora - in Marylebone, London until 2008.

Layton Williams' Star-Studded Career

Layton started his career at the age of 12 playing the title role in the West End production of Billy Elliot, where he danced intricate ballet routines, after he won a nationwide hunt for the show's next star.

In addition to his role in Billy Elliot, Layton has appeared in musicals including Hairspray!, Rent, and as 'Young Michael' in Thriller Live! Moreover, he found success on the small screen, starring in Jack Whitehall's terrible-teacher comedy Bad Education and in the second season of Billie Piper's Sky drama I Hate Suzie.

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From January 2019, he played the title character of Jamie New in Everybody's Talking About Jamie until May 2022. He portrayed the role both on the West End and during the UK tour of the production.

Controversy and Strictly Come Dancing

Since Layton has an extensive background in dance and performance, his inclusion on Strictly Come Dancing has sparked controversy. Some viewers and co-stars argue that his experience may give him an unfair advantage as the show is designed for nonprofessionals learning tough choreography for the first time.

Several past contestants who had prior dance experience, such as Pussycat Doll Ashley Roberts, Girls Aloud singer Kimberley Walsh, EastEnders actress Maisie Smith, and X Factor star Fleur East, have faced criticism for their pre-show dance backgrounds.

Making Strictly Come Dancing History

Layton is set to make history on Strictly Come Dancing as the first-ever male celebrity to dance in a dress. Paired with a male professional dancer, Layton plans to reflect different sides of his personality through the various outfits worn during his performances.

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BBC bosses are fully supportive of Layton's desire to challenge dance traditions, stating that he will have the opportunity to wear both Strictly dresses and sharp suits.

Becoming Part of Strictly's Same-Sex Pairing

As an openly gay actor, Layton confirmed in August that he will be partnered with a male professional dancer for Strictly Come Dancing.

Although he knows he will be dancing with a man, Layton is unaware of who his partner will be. It is a historic moment for the show which has been "desperate" to have a same-sex couple win the competition.

Strictly Come Dancing, which kicks off this weekend on Saturday, September 16, will reveal the pro partners for all of the celebrities.

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