BBC Strictly Come Dancing’s Layton Williams finally speaks out on show as he ditches UK

Layton Williams has finally spoken out on his Strictly Come Dancing[1] journey weeks after he missed out on the Glitterball trophy. The actor and West End star hasn't shied away from being active on social media - particularly showing support to his fellow dance stars. However, he was yet to address the end of his journey on the BBC[2] One dance contest which saw him break records and wow audiences for 12 weeks alongside professional dance partner Nikita Kuzmin before making it to the final alongside Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola and Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell.

The final live show on December 16 saw the three finalists all perform three times each and while the judges gave their feedback and scores, the end result came down to the public vote. At the end of all nine performances, it was Bury-born Layton and Nikita who topped the leader board as they received a total score of 119 points out of a possible 120 after scoring two '40s'.

Meanwhile, Bobby and Dianne bagged 117 points and Ellie and Vito then placed bottom of the final leader board having received a total of 115 points but were crowned the 2023 winners and lifted the coveted Glitterball trophy after the public vote.

But after ditching the UK for the New Year, Layton took a moment to reflect on what has been an epic end to 2023. Sharing a compilation video of himself and Nikita from throughout the series, he said: "Before the years out I want to thank you all for the love and support." The 29-year-old continued: "What a perfect way to end the year...

A record breaking Strictly finalist!!! Wowsa @bbcstrictly was honestly one of the best things I've done in my life. We may not have lifted the glitter ball but we opened up hearts, and I'll be forever grateful for that."

While Layton and Nikita prepare to host dance workshops for their fans and supporters, Laytone rounded off his post: "Catch me and @nikita__kuzmin on the @strictlycomedancinglive in 2024! Big love x." And fans wasted not time in rushing to share their praise and support for the Bad Education star. @borinatoluciana[5] said: "You're my winners, the best dancing couple ever!

You've been absolutely phenomenal every week, in so many ways! You've stolen the heart of so many people who didn't know you before Strictly! I loved you since "Jamie" I wish you a fabulous New Year 2024 darling!"

@darrendancefitness commented: "Congrats on all you achieved on Strictly. Taking same sex dancing to whole new levels on the show!!" @louhumphriesphotos wrote: "My favourite partnership of all time. It was a joy to watch you dance every week." @becky_robson98 replied: "Thank you for giving us so much enjoyment and creativity to watch.

Representation matters. See you at the tour!" @hev552 posted: "Phenomenal partnership in every way. can't wait to dance with you both in Birmingham and see you on tour.

Happy New year @laytonwilliams and @nikita__kuzmin may 2024 being you health, happiness, love." @michael.sochaczewski8 shared: "You may not have lifted the Glitterball, but therefore many hearts by your stunning, breathtaking performances on the dancefloor with @nikita__kuzmin.

You touched people's hearts and that is worth so much more than any prize can ever express."

Another, meanwhile, hit him with another 'wild' fact about Layton's Strictly journey as @tammy_bo_bammy added: "In case you didn't already know, you are the 3rd highest scoring strictly contestant of all time, and the highest male celebrity ever. was a joy to watch you both dance, complete hilight of my year."

References

1. ^ Strictly Come Dancing (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
2. ^ BBC (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
3. ^ BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Nadiya Bychkova surprises fans with Kai Widdrington 'proposal' snap (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
4. ^