Dame Arlene Phillips has admitted West End star Layton Williams has the advantage on Strictly Come Dancing this year.
Trained dancer Layton scored 36 out of 40 points on Saturday for his tango to Olivia Rodrigo’s Vampires with professional partner Nikita Kuzmin.
Over the last two weeks, he received a whopping 39 out of 40 from the judges, and in week four he received the first 10 points the series has ever seen.
There is no rule that celebrities cannot have dance experience before taking part in the show – but it has led to complaints about unfair competition between contestants.
Now former judge Arlene, 80, has admitted the star actually has an advantage over the other contestants, having been on stage since the age of 12.
Unfair? West End star Layton Williams has been criticized for having an ‘advantage’ over Strictly as a trained dancer (pictured on Saturday for the Halloween episode).
Debate: Dame Arlene Phillips, 80, admitted professional dancers have an advantage in an exclusive interview with Web
Dame Arlene spoke exclusively to Web at the Paul Strank Charity Gala and said: “I love seeing Angela Ripton and Layton Williams, who I’ve worked with as a dancer. “He’s amazing and I’m really excited because they’re people , that I know.
“Anyone who has danced is undoubtedly at an advantage because they know how to go forward and backward, know right and left and understand their body.”
“You don’t start over.” If I’ve never taken a step – how do I go backwards and wait for my balance?
Arlene went on to praise Layton as “one of the best dancers in Britain” as he quickly completed the dance competition.
She continued: “Layton is a very special and peaceful person. “He gives everything he can and works so hard in everything he does and he doesn’t need my advice.
“And as a dancer I have to be honest, Layton is one of the best dancers in the UK.”
“He’s phenomenal!” But he hasn’t done ballroom dancing and Latin, and in America there are plenty of people on Dancing With The Stars who have done that before, and we generally don’t do that because we love an outsider here.”
A Strictly insider previously told Web that Layton was “not the first person with dance experience” to have appeared on the show.
Experienced: Layton is a trained dancer and first appeared on stage at the age of 12
They added that he was “never trained in Latin and ballroom dancing and was booked because he has a fantastic personality.”
Others who have appeared on Strictly with dance experience include Kimberley Walsh, Abbey Clancy, Maisie Smith and Fleur East.
When Pussycat Doll Ashley Roberts appeared on the show in 2018, she was criticized by fans for having an unfair advantage with her dancing experience.
Ashley often ended up in the bottom two after public voting – although she received high scores from the judges for her dances with professional partner Giovanni Pernice.
Of the criticism of his “unfair advantage,” Williams said: “I took it lightly, I understand what everyone is saying.” But if you could be a fly on the wall in that rehearsal room, it wouldn’t be easy for me .’
And in another interview he said his stage experience wasn’t directly relevant to Strictly, insisting: “I can’t emphasize enough how different.” [Strictly is]…it’s like a plumber trying to be an electrician!’
High scoring: Layton scored 39 out of 40 twice and also won the earliest 10 points ever
A source told The Mail on Sunday that Layton’s co-stars were becoming increasingly frustrated at having to compete against the dance pro.
The source said: “Of course there have always been dancers of different standards on Strictly, that’s part of the greatness of the show.”
“But that’s ridiculous, he’s just as good or better than his professional partner.”
“The playing field here is so unequal that none of the other contestants have a chance of winning, even if viewers enjoy following a celebrity’s journey.”
“Although there is no rule that professional dancers cannot participate, it is absolutely against the spirit of the show.”
“Look at someone like Krishnan Guru-Murthy, he’s built a huge following and is wonderful to watch, and Angela Rippon. But they’re blown out of the water every week by someone who’s a professional dancer.”
STRICTLY COME DANCING 2023: THE PROFILES OF THE PARTICIPANTS
Angela Rippon
Age: 78
Profession: journalist
Angela said: “I’ve been a fan of Strictly since day one and as a former Come Dancing presenter this will be quite an adventure for me.” “A scary proposition considering I’m about to turn 79. But I’m looking forward to the challenge and maybe learning to dance the Argentine tango.”
Amanda Abbington
Age: 49
Profession: actress
Amanda says: “I’m thrilled to have been asked to do Strictly. “I’m actually very shy and self-conscious, so this is a great opportunity for me to overcome those things.”
Layton Williams
Age: 28
Profession: actor
Layton says: “I’m absolutely delighted to confirm that I’ll be taking part in the UK’s most famous dance competition!” It’s time to take it to the ballroom. I really enjoy learning new skills from the best. Bring on the sequins… ALL the sequins!’
Age: 53
Profession: journalist
Krishnan says: “I’m surprised, delighted and slightly confused to be taking part in Strictly on a ‘you only live once’ basis. “I can’t wait to start learning to dance, but I’m a little worried about my general weakness.”
Age: 40
Occupation: Comedian and radio presenter
Eddie says, “WOW. Anyone who knows me understands that music and dance are so important and central to me. I am so incredibly proud and honored that Strictly and the BBC have asked me to join the 2023 team. I promise you I will give it everything I have. This will be a VIBE.
Angela Scanlon
Age: 39
Occupation: TV presenter
Angela says: “I’m not particularly fit, I have no idea how my pelvic floor will react to this dancing. “I’ve never done any other dances except drunken jiving at a wedding!”
Age: 26
Occupation: Documentary filmmaker and former Love Island star
Zara says: “I’m so excited to be joining the world of Strictly!” I grew up with my grandma watching the film every year and she was the biggest Strictly fan. We danced around the house and I have such fond memories of that time in my life.”
Adam Thomas
Age: 34
Occupation: Actor and presenter
Adam says: “I can’t dance to save my life, but I’m excited to learn and have a good laugh with my pro. ‘Get me on the dance floor… I can’t wait!’
Age: 22
Occupation: Coronation Street star
Ellie says: “It still doesn’t feel real that I’m going to be doing Strictly!!” It’s always been a dream of mine so I guess dreams really do come true!!!!”
Age: 20
Occupation: EastEnders star and model
Bobby said: “I’m so excited to be part of the Strictly line-up that I can’t wait to start training like a professional dancer and add some moves to my repertoire.” “I’m excited “Looking forward to performing in front of everyone.”
Nigel Harman
Age: 49
Profession: actor
Nigel says: “I’m amazed, excited and scared to be doing Strictly.” As an armchair fan of the show, I watched in awe as people twisted and turned around the screen. And now it’s my turn…Gulp!’
Age: 57
Occupation: Broadcaster and former tennis player
Annabel said: “I’ve always loved watching Strictly and I can’t believe I’m going to be part of this magical show – swapping tennis balls for glitter balls and looking forward to finding some joy along the way.”