Layton Williams will become the first male 'Strictly Come Dancing' contestant to dance in a dress.
Layton Williams will perform in a dress on 'Strictly Come Dancing'
The 28-year-old star is planning to break new ground on the hit BBC show and has asked to be partnered with a male professional when the programme launches next month.
A source told the Sunday Mirror newspaper: "Layton made it clear very early on that he didn't want to be pinned down to just wearing male costumes.
"He wanted his Strictly outfits to reflect different sides of his personality and everyone fully supports him on that. So he will have a chance to wear Strictly dresses, as well as the men's sharp suits, when he performs. There are some really exciting looks in there. Layton can't wait to get started."
The 'Bad Education' star feels that he can "go the distance" on the show after previous same-sex couples - including Nicola Adams and Katya Jones as well as Richie Anderson and Giovanni Pernice - were voted off in the early weeks.
An insider told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "This year, everyone is hoping for a same-sex couple who can go the distance.
"Layton is a phenomenal performer and the pros will probably queue up to work with him."
The West End star's participation on 'Strictly' is said to have "ruffled a few feathers" as he is "professionally trained" in dance and was cast in the stage version of ‘Billy Elliot’ at the age of 12.
A source told the MailOnline: “He is professionally trained and has extensive experience with learning difficult choreography, which many of the contestants, especially those from a sporting or political background, will at first find impossible.
"The show has been criticised in the past for recruiting contestants with a background in dance and this year will be no different as Layton is a star in his own right and known for being an impeccable dancer on stage."
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