STRICTLY Come Dancing is already in the midst of a fix scandal - months before the 2023 series starts.
The BBC's flagship weekend show has signed up West End theatre star Layton Williams - and fans have already speculated foul play.
Layton, 28, recently starred in hit musical Everybody's Talking About Jamie.
Yet the Bad Education actor - who has now caught the attention of Strictly Come Dancing bosses - first found fame with his fancy footwork in the stage adaptation of Billy Elliott in 2007.
He did lots of promotion for the show, and his training was even documented on The Paul O'Grady Show.
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A source told MailOnline of the controversial sign up and said: "Layton is an incredible dancer and performer.
"Strictly bosses signing him for the show will ruffle some feathers because 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."
Layton first followed his performing arts talent when he studied street dance and drama at Carol Godby's Theatre workshop in Bury.
He has also studied ballet at Centre Pointe, Manchester.
Layton was then awarded a scholarship to Sylvia Young Theatre School in Marylebone, London and stayed there until 2008.
He attended Broad Oak High School in Bury, and then attended the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts.
Other recent stage credits include Rent, Hairspray The Musical and The Car Man.
Last year, the show was embroiled in a fix scandal as eventual winner Hamza Yassin's dancing past was revealed.
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X Factor singer Fleur East - who also had dancing skills prior to her stint last series - was also hit with fix claims.
The Sun has gone to the BBC for comment.
