Layton Williams has been hit with fix claims from Strictly Come Dancing fans after the Samba performance

STRICTLY Come Dancing’s Layton Williams has been criticized by fans who say it’s “not fair” for him to take part in the competition.

The actor, who works with Nikita Kuzmin in the BBC show, is also a professional dancer.

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Layton, who starred in the musicals Billy Elliot and Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, wowed audiences with his samba.

The pair impressed the judges and fans at home, but some said it was “unfair” that Layton took part in the competition.

“He’s been a West End dancer since he was 12!!! “He’s incredibly good, played Billy Eliiott and MJ in a thriller, possibly better than the pros but ticks all the boxes…” one wrote.

“The poor, other participants like 78-year-old Angela are wasting their precious time on this bullshit-ticking agenda,” they added.

“Not fair, he’s actually a dancer,” said a third.

“How is Layton Williams allowed to be on Strictly? He is a professional dancer. He starred in Billy Elliott and Michael Jackson. Not fair,” a fourth added.

“Get rid of Layton Williams @bbcstrictly he is a professional dancer who has been attending theater school since he was 14 and has performed in the West End, what a stunt. #strictly”

Although some defended Layton and Nikita, arguing: “Are the people who whine about Angela Rippon and Layton Williams having dance experience on #StrictlyComeDancing also complaining to Tipping Point and saying some of their contestants have used coin-operated machines before?”

Although another viewer agreed: “There are seven other Cleebs with dance experience this year.”

Layton first pursued his talent as a performing artist while studying street dance and theater at Carol Godby’s Theater Workshop in Bury.

He also studied ballet at Center Pointe in Manchester.

Layton then received a scholarship to the Sylvia Young Theater School in Marylebone, London, and remained there until 2008.

He attended Broad Oak High School in Bury and then the Italia Conti Academy of Theater Arts.

Other current stage appearances include “Rent”, “Hairspray – The Musical” and “The Car Man”.

Last year the show was mired in scandal when eventual winner Hamza Yassin’s dancing past was revealed.

X Factor singer Fleur East, who also had dance skills before her final season, was also hit with fixing claims.

The Sun has contacted the BBC for comment.

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