STRICTLY Come Dancing legend James Jordan has hit out at the ongoing row over ‘fixing’ the trained dancers who compete on the show.
James, a former Strictly pro, even warned celebs not to bother signing up for any future series unless they’ve had dance training.
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Former Strictly pro James Jordan has joined the ranks of ‘fixing’ the seriesCredit: ITV
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James believes the BBC ‘went too far’ in hiring a professional dancerCredit: PA
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 abroad with the group.
James has now spoken out and accused the BBC of “going overboard” by signing up people who had previously received professional dance training.
Speaking to HELLO, James admitted that Layton’s performance with partner Nikita Kuzmina on Saturday was among his “favorite” dances on the show.
But he said: “He is a fully trained, professional dancer. When they came out, you basically had two professional dancers side by side.
“Let’s not say, ‘Oh, that’s because [Layton’s] really talented and worked really hard’. Because it kind of belittles our dance world that someone can come out and be that good after a week of training. You can not.
“That was probably one of my favorite dances I’ve ever seen on the show – but that’s only because he’s a professional dancer.”
James continued: “Do I feel that Strictly have gone too far by bringing in professionally trained dancers? Yes.
“I’d actually say to anyone thinking about dancing Strictly, ‘Don’t do Strictly unless you’re dance trained in some way shape or form because you’ve got no chance’.”
Layton starred in the musicals Billy Elliot and Everybody’s Talking About Jamie.
Last weekend in Strictlo he and Nikita performed a samba and seriously impressed the judges.
But fans are struggling to see past Layton’s professional dance training.
Weeping on Xu, formerly known as Twitter, one said: “He’s a west end dancer of 12!!! He’s amazing, played Billy Elliott and MJ in thriller, maybe better than the pros but ticks all the boxes.. ..”
Another agreed: “The poor other contestants, like 78-year-old Angela, are wasting precious time on this ****ing plan that ticks the boxes.”
A third wrote: “How can Layton Williams be on Strictly? He’s a professional dancer. He’s starred in Billy Elliot and Michael Jackson. It’s not fair.”
And someone else said: “Take Layton Williams off @bbcstrictly, he’s a professional dancer who’s been at drama school since he was 14 and performed in the West End, what a scam. #strictly.”
Layton first pursued his talent for the performing arts when he studied street dance and drama at the Carol Godby Theater Workshop in Bury.
He also studied ballet at Center Pointe in Manchester.
Layton was then awarded a scholarship to the Sylvia Young Theater School in Marylebone, London, where he remained until 2008.
He attended Broad Oak High School in Bury and then attended the Italia Conti Academy of Theater Arts.
Other recent stage credits include Rent, Hairspray The Musical and The Car Man. The Sun has contacted the BBC for comment.
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James starred in Strictly alongside his wife Orla JordanCredits: Rex
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Angela Scanlon used to perform in the dance group Zasluge: PA
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