Ex-Strictly judge claims Layton Williams DOES have unfair advantage amid show backlash
A FORMER Strictly Come Dancing judge has claimed Layton Williams DOES have an unfair advantage on the show.
Dame Arlene Phillips appeared on the BBC One competition’s judging panel for five years until her axe in 2009.
The professional dancer, 80, has worked with performer Layton previously and confirmed his already acquired skills gives him a lead ahead of the other celebs.
Speaking to the MailOnline, she explained: “I love seeing Angela Ripton and Layton Williams, who I’ve worked with as a dancer.
“He’s amazing, and I’m very excited, because it’s people I know.
“Anyone who’s danced is at an advantage, without question, because they know how to go forward and back, and they know right and left, and they understand their body.
“They’re not starting from the beginning. If I’ve never done a step before – how do I go backwards, wait for my balance.”
Arlene praised the Bad Education star for his performances and branded him ‘phenomenal’.
She added: “He hasn’t done Ballroom and Latin and in America, on Dancing With The Stars, they have load and loads of people who have before, and we generally don’t, because we love an underdog here.”
Viewers previously saw Layton and his pro dancer partner Nikita score an incredible 39 out of 40 in one week.
The actor also became the first contestant to score the earliest 10 the series has seen in week four.
Last Saturday Layton and Nikita danced a tango which earned him an impressive 36 out of 40.
He has previously addressed backlash from fans for his dancing past.
Layton said of the criticism: “I’ve taken it on the chin, I get what everyone’s saying. But if you could be a fly on the wall in this rehearsal room, it’s not easy for me.”
On Sunday reality star Zara McDermott became the fifth celebrity to be booted out of the competition.
She faced the dreaded dance off alongside Waterloo Star Adam Thomas, with all four judges voting to save him.