West End star Layton Williams signs up for Strictly Come Dancing?

By Neil Wilkes, Editor-in-chief

Published: July 19 2023 | 15:13

Last updated: July 20 2023 | 10:14

West End star Layton Williams signs up for Strictly Come Dancing?

West End performer Layton Williams reportedly signs up for this year's Strictly Come Dancing.

West End performer Layton Williams has become the latest name to be linked with appearing on this year's Strictly Come Dancing.

The 28-year-old made his stage debut in 2008 in Billy Elliot the Musical and has since gone on to appear in productions such as Hairspray and Rent, as well as Everybody's Talking About Jamie, in which he played the lead role on both the West End stage and in Los Angeles.

Williams is also known for appearing in Jonathan Harvey's acclaimed coming-of-age TV show Beautiful People and most recently provided the voiceover for BBC Three's popular gay dating show I Kissed A Boy.

According to the Daily Mail, he is now in the frame to compete for the glitterball on this year's Strictly, although his extensive dancing experience in his shows could raise some eyebrows.

A source told the newspaper: "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."

Other celebs rumoured to be in the frame for the new series - due to launch on BBC One in September - include broadcasting veteran Angela Rippon, former Coronation Street star Ellie Leach and '80s pop star Shakin' Stevens.