Angela Scanlon has hit back at claims she has an unfair advantage as a competitor on this year’s Strictly Come Dancing, due to her past training as an Irish dancer.
The 39-year-old stated that Irish dancing has given her no leg up against anyone as she only ever competed in solo competitions as well as the genre of dance being completely different.
Chatting to the MailOnline she said: “Most people, you grow up in Ireland, you do Irish dancing. But I’ve never done ballroom, I’ve certainly never done a rumba or any of this style of dancing. You dance on your own and it’s very stiff.”
She continued, saying: “So the salsa hips, I don’t know how we’re going to achieve that. I have to take into consideration my partner’s limbs and presence – so we’ll see.”
The Meath born presenter began dancing for the O’Shea Irish Dance Company back in 2001. Angela competed all over the world with the school before hanging up her competitive shoes. She joined the Virginia, USA based show Irish Thunder and toured with them for a number of years before putting an end to her dance career in favour for one on TV.
The BBC presenter, who has been partnered with Strictly pro Carlos Gu, isn’t the only competitor to face some backlash. Billy Elliott star Layton Williams, has also had to defend his dance ability.
A Twitter user commented on Layton’s past, saying: “He’s already a professional dancer.”
The musical star responded, saying: “Babes, they did not teach me Latin dance. So check your facts. I just think it’s funny when people think they ‘know’ but they’re just being a hater.”
Layton attended both Sylvia Young Theatre School and Italia Conti before starring in a number of West End shows.
Prior to Strictly, he played the main role in the musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie from 2019 to 2022.
