As alluded to in my recent Vegas blog (see here), it appears as though the WPT’s latest visual candy, Sabina Gadecki, has indeed exited stage left (or booed off stage, perhaps?) to leave way for British born and the even more stunningly beautiful, Layla Kayleigh.Like Sabina before her, and the forgettable Courtney Friel (remember her?) from Season 4, Layla has the tough task of living up to the expectations of the simmering public, all of whom are hoping (and praying) that she is able to achieve what the others couldn’t and dodge the shadow of the iconic Shana Hiatt.
Naturally, this scenario could prove the narrative for Mission Impossible 4, but word on the poker grapevine is that this lass might stand a fighting chance. Born in London, Layla has a CV packed to the rafters with TV and radio appearances, including presenting a show on MTV2 in the good ol’ UK, but that aside, it could be her reported combination of good looks, intelligence, charm (hey, I’m describing myself!) and that vital edge that sees her make it through to an unprecedented Season 2.
Unfortunately for us, we won’t be able to make our own judgements until 2008, when the 23-year old’s WPT debut will be broadcast. However, if you happen to be strolling around Vegas as we speak, then a quick pop into the Mirage could provide you with a sneak peak as her first test is in this week’s Mirage Poker Showdown Final.
A poker enthusiast (supposedly) of 12 months, the pressure is on Layla to perform after two ‘not-as-good-as-Shana’ displays from her predecessors, so let’s see how she copes. Come Season 7, will it be deal or no deal? Oh I hope so…