New Strictly signing ‘asks BBC bosses for a male partner’ in hope a same sex pairing can win show

of the Bad Education and Benidorm actor's request for a same-sex pairing and said: "This year everyone is hoping for a same-sex couple who can go the distance.

"Layton is a phenomenal performer, the pros will probably queue up to work with him."

Meanwhile, the BBC show was recently embroiled in a "fix" row after signing up Layton - after fans called out his career on stage and screen.

Layton recently starred in hit musical Everybody's Talking About Jamie.

He 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.

A source told  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.

Layton is set to take to the stage alongside Angela Rippon - who would be Strictly's oldest contestant.