This year’s third official Strictly signing revealed as musical theatre star – risking fix row
STRICTLY Come Dancing’s third celebrity contestant has been revealed as musical theatre star Layton Williams.
Layton was revealed on The One Show on BBC One, alongside actress Amanda Abbington and award-winning journalist Angela Rippon CBE.
Layton said: “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!”
When Richie Anderson asked Layton who he wanted to be paired with, the performer said: “I’m happy so long as it’s a guy. I want to dance with a man. I can’t wait to get flung around and wear some glittery costumes.”
Layton, 28, is best known as a stage and screen actor and has performed in London’s West End.
Layton’s impressive West End credits include the title role in Billy Elliot and Everyone’s Talking About Jamie.
He is best known on TV for playing Stephen Carmichael in the Bad Education movie.
Layton has also starred in the include Beautiful People, Benidorm, The Cleaner, and I Hate Suzie.
And I Kissed A Boy fans might recognise him too, as he’s the voice over artist for the hit BBC show.
As well as his acting credits, Layton runs a performing arts company named company ‘Pros from the Shows’ with hopes to inspire the next generation of performers.
Over the years he has also been the recipient of multiple Black British Theatre Awards, plus an Attitude Award for his work and visibility in the LGBTQ+ community.
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.
He attended Broad Oak High School in Bury, and then attended the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts.
Back in July, Layton was first rumoured to be joining Strictly and put the show in the midst of a fix scandal.
A source told MailOnline of the sign up and said: “Layton is an incredible dancer and performer.
“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.
“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.”