James Jordan has spoken out about the ongoing row over trained dancers competing in the celebrity cast of Strictly Come Dancing.
The former Strictly professional, 45, who appeared as a professional on Strictly from 2006 to 2013, claimed that unless celebrities already had dance training they had “no chance” on the BBC show.
James cited newcomer Layton Williams as an example and revealed that his performance on Saturday was one of his “favorite dances of all time.”
But that’s only because Layton, known for playing the title role in the hit musical “Everybody’s Talking About Jamie,” is a “professional dancer,” James said.
In conversation with Hello! He explained, “He’s a fully trained, professional dancer.” When they came out, you essentially had two professional dancers next to each other.
Speaking out: James Jordan has spoken out about the ongoing row over trained dancers competing on Strictly Come Dancing
Example: The former Strictly professional, 45, who appeared as a professional on Strictly from 2006 to 2013, admitted that celebrities who don’t already have dance training have “no chance” on the BBC show (pictured, Layton). Williams, who has a dance background)
“Let’s not say, ‘Oh, that’s why’ [Layton’s] really talented and worked really hard.” Because it kind of demeans our dance world that someone can come out after a week of training and be so good. You can not.
“It 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 like Strictly is going too far by hiring professionally trained L dancers?” Yes.
“Actually, I would say to anyone thinking about doing Strictly: “Don’t do Strictly unless you have some form of dance training, because you have no chance.”
Strictly has been hit by cheating allegations in recent years after signing stars with obvious dance backgrounds, which many viewers believe gave them an unfair advantage.
Pussycat Doll Ashley Roberts, Girls Aloud singer Kimberley Walsh, EastEnders actress Maisie Smith and X Factor star Fleur East were all criticized for their pre-show dancing experience.
However, many participants with stage school training have claimed that their dance skills worked against them in the public vote.
Actress Molly Rainford, a former student of Sylvia Young, blamed her stage school background for her repeated endings in the dreaded dance off.
Opinion: James used newcomer Layton as an example and revealed that his performance on Saturday was one of his “favorite dances of all time.”
Candid: But that’s only because Layton, known for playing the title role in the hit musical “Everybody’s Talking About Jamie,” is a “professional dancer,” James said
Last year she said: “I think that could possibly have been a factor.”
Layton also responded to Fix claims that he had an unfair advantage over Strictly.
Layton is known for his title role in the hit musical “Everybody’s Talking About Jamie” and for his starring role in the TV hit “Bad Education.”
Ahead of his start on the show, he wrote on Instagram: “This is how I felt yesterday after my first day of @bbcstrictly rehearsals.”
He then added: “OMG. I already know I’m going to have so much fun!’
In response to his post, one critic posted: “I literally went to a musical theater school where he danced at a professional level but failed.”
A fan of Layton’s quickly replied, “You’re a dance expert, right?” Tell me, when did he get his degree in Latin and ballroom? It is not particularly popular on stage or in musicals. Here we go.’
However, the critic didn’t back down, writing: “Not a dance expert as such, but I am a dancer and know for a fact that he has studied ballroom dancing and/or Latin to some extent.”
Layton then reposted the comment, writing: “Let me clarify this *fact* real quick.” “I had my first introduction to ballroom and Latin class yesterday at rehearsals (along with the rest of the @bbcstrictly cast) and it “It was so much fun.”
Then, when another troll expressed his hope that he would be “evicted in the first week,” Layton emphasized, “Luckily no one gets voted out in the first week.”
On stage: It comes after Layton also responded to fixed claims that he had an unfair advantage over Strictly. Layton began his career at the age of 12 with the title role in the West End production of Billy Elliot (pictured in 2016 as Angel in the musical Rent).
Advantage: A fan asked Layton: “Surely you can admit that being a professional West End artist gives you a significant advantage,” to which he replied: “That’s mine.”
Over on his Instagram page, Layton shared another smiling photo while holding up a ballroom book and joking that it was “a little research.”
The post promoted a comment from a follower who, like Layton, attended the renowned London stage school Italia Conti.
“I’m really pleased you’re there, but you can certainly admit that being a Conti kid and a professional West End performer (including dance) in the West End gives you a significant advantage over someone who’s never been in his “I had a dance lesson in my life.” ! Posture, hand position, terminology, feet….
“I’ve also been to Conti, so I know you can’t learn waltz or salsa on the regular stage there, but it’s a big advantage,” the commentator wrote.
“As have other former stage students who have done very well.” I’m a fan and wish you all the best, but I’m sure you’ll get some of that backlash once people see how from the start well you are, so I hope you get into it and make it your own! #Break a leg’
Layton agreed with the comment and responded, “Oh, I own everything.” From one Conti child to another. Big love x.’