Strictly Come Dancing star Shirley Ballas claims Layton Williams “didn’t follow the rules” during the latest dance-off.
On Sunday night (November 26), the Bad Education star found himself in the bottom two for the first time opposite Angela Scanlon. Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke all chose to save Layton, meaning Angela was sent packing.
Despite not casting her vote, Shirley revealed she would have saved the Irish TV presenter over Layton, 29, and partner Nikita Kuzmin. The 63-year-old came under fire for the decision, with several fans believing the controversial move was due to a feud between the two.
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Shirley was asked about the dance-off by presenters Richard Madeley and Susanna Reid during Wednesday’s instalment (November 29) of Good Morning Britain. Explaining the reason behind her decision, the professional dancer said: “I felt that Angela stuck to the rules.
(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
“The rules were it was a Cha-cha-cha and that’s what she did exquisitely well.” But she claimed that Layton, who she described as a “marvellous dancer”, didn’t hit the rules with his American Smooth.
“I’m very much a rule follower,” the Strictly judge declared. Richard, 67, agreed with Shirley’s decision to save Angela as he quipped: “I just thought she danced better.” “She was amazing,” gushed Shirley. “I love it that it was all authentic, her leg action was absolutely superb.”
(Image: BBC)
She went on to say that both couples are “very gifted” before branding Layton “fabulous”. Layton has come under fire since the series began because of his background in dancing, with the singer admitting to have trained in jazz, tap and ballet.
Despite this, Shirley insisted he doesn’t have an unfair advantage as ballroom dancing is completely different. She said: “I don’t think he has an unfair edge. Coming into ballroom dancing is difficult for anybody as you could see in the American Smooth, he actually struggled to do it and to stay in contact.
(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Shirley added: They do say about Layton having experience but there are also other people who have experience.” Despite the feud rumours, Layton appeared on This Morning with Nikita on Tuesday (November 28) and squashed the claims.
“Shirley has been on board,” Leyton insisted. “Her ten-paddle has been out a few times. We heart Shirley.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
