Strictly’s Layton Williams addresses ‘unfair’ trained dancer backlash
Strictly Come Dancing finalist Karim Zeroual has defended Layton Williams amid a fix row about his dance experience before the show.
Karim, who got to the final of the show in 2019, has said those with a background in dance categories away from Ballroom and Latin could find the show harder as they have to “untrain” themselves from what they know.
Speaking from a ballet background himself, he told Express.co.uk: “You do get it [a dance experience row] every year.
“It’s quite hard to find someone who hasn’t had any dance training, especially if they’re an actor or singer or a TV presenter.
“A lot of people have trained at drama school and have had some sort of training.
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“If you have done something like jazz or ballet or tap or modern or whatever it is, sometimes you have to untrain certain things you’ve learned your whole life.
“For example, Ballroom is like parallel feet, but if you’ve done ballet which I did, it’s all turned out.
“It’s like untraining, so sometimes a blank canvas can be better. But of course, there are benefits with like timing and choreography and stuff.”
Layton has been performing in the West End for over 16 years, starring in shows such as Billy Elliot the Musical, Hairspray, Rent, and Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, and he has also trained in jazz, tap, and ballet.
EastEnders star Michelle Collins was one of his many critics who claimed it wasn’t fair to have him in the show.
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Many others however have rushed to his defence and pointed out that other contestants from this year’s series, such as Amanda Abbington, Nigel Harman and Angela Rippon, also have a history of performing.
Addressing his dance experience ahead of the first live show, Layton stated: “Of course, there’s going to be moments that will feel more comfortable being in the rehearsal room and use and dancing and stuff like that.
“However, I can’t stress enough how different [it is]. It’s like a plumber trying to be an electrician.
“I don’t even know what them two things are, but it’s just not the same.”
Karim made it to the final of the BBC competition four years ago with professional dancer Amy Dowden.
He fought for the Glitterball trophy against Anton Du Beke and Emma Barton and Oti Mabuse and Kelvin Fletcher, who went on to win.
Karim is currently undergoing rehearsals for his upcoming stint in hit family favourite Madagascar The Musical.
He will lead the cast as the film’s iconic character King Julien both nationwide and internationally, kicking shows off this month.
The presenter said of his new role: “It’s a show for everyone, I love the film regardless, that’s why I was dying to play the part.
“I grew up watching the film, it’s one of the best animated films out there without fail.
“The fact that it is on stage and you can come and watch it see all your favourite characters, it’s awesome.”
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Strictly Come Dancing continues Saturday at 6.35pm on BBC One.
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