Yahoo News Strictly’s finalists 'to bank £1m and one star may go to Hollywood'
Layton Williams, Ellie Leach and Bobby Brazier will be 'inundated with TV offers and deals'
The Strictly finalists - Layton Williams, Ellie Leach and Bobby Brazier - could cash in more than £1m after the final this weekend as it has been predicted all three stars will be inundated with offers from TV bosses and endorsement deals.
PR and entertainment expert for Press Box, Lynn Carratt, told Yahoo of the finalists: "Reaching the finals of Strictly is no easy feat, and Ellie, Layton and Bobby should all be incredibly proud of themselves. Appearing on a show as popular as Strictly can be career-changing for the celebrities taking part.
"While the trio already have a certain level of fame from their day jobs, Strictly can turn them into household names, and various offers of TV shows and endorsement deals are likely to come flooding in. Each of them could make in excess of £1m."
Have your say in Yahoo's poll
All stars in their own right, the Strictly finalists have cemented their ongoing future in showbiz. As well as being incredible competitors in the BBC dancing competition, the three stars have acting backgrounds and likely are to continue with acting.
Excitement has been building ahead of the final this weekend when it will all come to an end. Strictly has released the dance and song routines, and of course everyone has their favourites but who would you like to win Strictly Come Dancing?
But for the stars taking part, Strictly Come Dancing can have an impact on their lives forever. The PR mastermind pointed out Strictly Come Dancing can be "career-changing" for the celebrity contestants - especially the finalists - because it can escalate their fame to a whole new level.
Layton Williams
Williams has been incredible in the competition - making Strictly history many times including being awarded the earliest 10 for a Cha Cha Cha ever when he danced to Million Dollar Bill. The actor has loved his time on the show and remains excited for the final.
Although he has gone from strength to strength, his journey hasn't been without its struggles. Having had experience on the West End, some viewers have questioned whether his dance experience has given him an unfair advantage over the other competitors.
TV and entertainment expert Ms Carratt said: "Layton, known in the industry as a quadruple threat, has been looking to take his career to the next level for some time. He's been treading the boards in the West End since the age of 12, but it was his stint in Everybody's Talking About Jamie that brought him to the public's attention; he is also widely known for his role as Stephen Carmichael in BBC comedy Bad Education.
"Without a doubt, Layton is the best dancer on Strictly, having homed in on his craft since the age of 11 while studying at the prestigious Italia Conti stage school. Although he trained in different styles of dance, as a result of this, Layton has still faced some hurtful backlash for being part of the show."
With the stars looking to level up their careers after Strictly, the PR predicted Williams could be setting his sights on Hollywood next. Ms Carratt added: "Fans of the show like to see the journey a celebrity goes on while learning to dance and not watch an already polished performer. So, while he absolutely deserves a place in the final, it's unlikely he'll secure the public's vote to win. I believe Layton would definitely like to move on to the big screen and appear in big musical films like La La Land - Watch out, Ryan Gosling."
Ellie Leach
Leach joined Strictly after she had just split from her boyfriend but she has shown no signs of heartache while commanding attention on the dance floor. Watching her journey, viewers at home have been hoping for the former Coronation Street star to fall in love with her dance partner Vito Coppola - but both of them say they are just really good friends.
Her platform has been raised to a new level, she could be the next Michelle Keegan and she could be heading for the West End after her stint on Strictly, according to a PR expert. Ms Carratt said: "For me, Ellie is the one to watch; she has grown up on screen in front of viewers' eyes - starring in Coronation Street as Faye Windass since age ten. But, Strictly has shown what a great talent she is and how she has matured. Ellie and dance partner Vito, who have been plagued with romance rumours, have coasted into the final without ever facing the dreaded dance-off."
She added: "Whether she wins the Gillterball or not, I believe the sky is the limit for Ellie; she will likely get cast in a West End show or follow in the footsteps of fellow Corrie Alumni and build a successful career in on-screen drama like Suranne Jones, Michelle Keegan. Of course, Coronation Street's door is still open if she ever decides to reprise her role."
Bobby Brazier
Brazier's future on EastEnders looks bright and his future in showbiz too. With famous parents Jeff Brazier and late Jade Goody, he is a natural in front of the cameras. And following his late reality star mum Goody into the spotlight, the actor has already found his feet on EastEnders and Strictly Come Dancing at the youthful age 20.
Ms Carratt added: "Bobby has shown himself to be a shining star who is extremely humble. His backstory, which is already well known, pulls on the viewers' heartstrings. He has grown on-screen every week and made real progress. He has a strong head on his shoulders and is mature beyond his years. After starting out in catwalk modelling, he secured a role in EastEnders last year and walked away with the Rising Star award at NTAs this year.
"I think win or lose on Strictly, Bobby will stick around at EastEnders for a good while longer and learn the craft of acting because before he won his role in the BBC soap, he didn't have any previous acting training and has been learning on the job, which I'm sure he'll want to continue. He'll no doubt receive some more modelling offers and lucrative brand deals that he can fit around his day job."
