Layton Williams blasts ‘haters’ after landing perfect ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ score
Layton Williams is blasting his “haters” after getting a perfect ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ score.
The musical theatre star, 29, got a 40 from the judges on Saturday (03.12.23) night’s episode of the BBC ballroom series – which had its elimination show axed this week after 50-year-old ‘Casualty’ actor Nigel Harman’s shock withdrawal from the competition at the weekend due to an injury sustained in rehearsals.
Layton bounced back on Saturday from last week’s bottom two to deliver what has been ranked as the most impressive performance of the 2023 series alongside his 25-year-old professional partner Nikita Kuzmin.
He said on Sunday (03.12.23) on X about getting the highest possible score from every judge on the panel: “10’s across the board! Fighting back from the bottom 2 is rough but what a perfect routine for it.
“All credit has to go to the most amazing dance partner and teacher ever – @kuzmin__nikita! Think what you want about me, but give him his flowers plz.
“Reading all these comments really gave me the boost to go out there and slay for the stageys, theatre fans and MT industry! I’ve been flying the flag for us all since day dot and hope I’m doing ya’ll proud.”
Layton has been slammed since he started on ‘Strictly’ over having an advantage on the show given his theatre background.
He told The Guardian about the criticism: “I’ve taken it on the chin; I get what everyone’s saying.
“But if you could be a fly on the wall in this rehearsal room, it’s not easy for me.”
This week’s ‘Strictly’ points will be carried over to next week’s semi-final after Nigel’s exit.
He confirmed he had been forced to leave the show for “medical reasons” hours before the live show on Saturday.
The ‘Downton Abbey’ actor later appeared in the studio and revealed he had hospitalised after suffering a rib injury, forcing him and his pro partner Katya Jones, 34, to bow out of the competition.