Who is Layton Williams? Meet the Strictly Come Dancing 2023 contestant and West End star

Hoping to lift the Glitterball this year is Layton Williams, who has quite the journey this year. During Musicals Week, Layton received the first 40 and his highest score of the season. The week after, he scored 40 again for the "best" Charleston Craig has seen to Fit as a Fiddle by Gene Kelly and Donald O'Connor.

The Strictly Come Dancing songs and dances for the final have been revealed, and as well as a show dance, Layton and his professional dance partner Nikita Kuzmin have a Quickstep and a Tango.

Despite his brilliant performance this year, Layton has been the victim of online trolling, with some viewers commenting on his previous dance experience.

Nevertheless, Layton isn't going to let the trolls define his Strictly journey, saying: "I'm not the only person that's been in this position, so I don't understand why it's shock horror news, because I'm not first, [and I] won't be the last. Just, let's keep it moving."

The actor will compete against Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola, and Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell in the final, but who will lift the Glitterball?

As Layton prepares for his final three dances, read on for everything you need to know about him.

Who is Layton Williams?

Age: 29

Job: Actor, singer and dancer

Instagram: @laytonwilliams

Twitter: @LaytonWilliams

Strictly partner: Nikita Kuzmin

Williams rose to prominence in the theatre scene, with major roles in iconic shows including Billy Elliot, Rent, Hairspray, Kiss Me, Kate and Everybody's Talking About Jamie.

Viewers may also recognise him from BBC sitcom Bad Education, where he has played Stephen Carmichael since 2012, and Sky Atlantic's darkly comic drama I Hate Suzie Too.

Earlier this year, he earned another wave of fans for his voiceover work on BBC Three's LGBTQ+ dating show I Kissed A Boy.

Read More:

• Strictly's Layton makes history with "million dollar" Cha Cha
• Layton Williams has had the most captivating Strictly journey and deserves place in final

Who is Layton Williams's partner Nikita Kuzmin?

Williams' partner Nikita Kuzmin is a Ukrainian dancer and choreographer who first joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2021. He was previously a professional dancer on the German version of Strictly, Let's Dance.

He said as he joined the show: "I've always been amazed by the magic Strictly Come Dancing brings. No matter what country I have found myself living in, I've never missed a chance to watch it.

"Joining it as a professional dancer is my big chance to make some magic on the most famous dance floor. I can't wait to give it my all."

For season 19 he was partnered with Tilly Ramsay, while season 20 saw him partnered with Ellie Simmonds.

Layton Williams's Strictly journey so far

Scoreboard

Week One: Samba (7+8+7+7) = 29

Week Two: Quickstep (9+9+9+9) = 36

Week Three: Viennese Waltz (7+7+7+7) = 28

Week Four: Cha Cha (9+10+9+9) = 37

Week Five: Salsa (9+10+10+10) = 39

Week Six: Tango (9+9+9+9) = 36

Week Seven: Jive (8+10+10+8) = 36

Week Eight: Argentine Tango (9+10+10+10) = 39

Week Nine: Couple's Choice (9+10+10+10) = 39

Week 10: American Smooth (8+9+8+9) = 34

Week 11: Paso Doble (10+10+10+10) = 40

Week 12: Rumba (9+9+9+9) + Charleston (10+10+10+10) + Week 11 = 116

In a shock to many, Layton Williams found himself fighting for his place in the competition after he faced the dance-off in Week 10 against Angela Scanlon.

Despite scoring an almost perfect sore of 39 the week before, the judges weren't wholly impressed with his performance.

Luckily, the actor was saved by the judges.

In Week Nine, Layton and his professional dance partner Nikita Kuzmin thrilled the judges with his Argentine tango, scoring an almost perfect score of 39 points.

While judges Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and head judge Shirley Ballas gave the 29-year-old actor 10 points, Craig Revel Horwood opted for a nine.

Speaking to RadioTimes.com, Argentine tango expert and former Strictly pro Vincent Simone said Craig was right about Layton Williams's score.

"I agree with what Craig said that it was too aggressive. It was very intense. I mean, listen, I loved it and I wouldn't change anything. I think it was perfect for them at the moment to do it that way.

"But, it's not supposed to be stiff upper body parts, you know, being stiff and hard and sharp and so on. It still needs to be kind of soft," Vincent explained.

What has Layton Williams said about joining Strictly 2023?

Williams said in a statement: "Absolutely buzzing to confirm that I will be taking part in the most iconic dance competition in the UK! It's time to bring it to the Ballroom.

"So excited to learn new skills from the best. Bring on the sequins… all the sequins!"

Williams has a lot in store for this year's Strictly through his costume choices. It was reported the West End performer will be the first Strictly contestant to wear both a dress and suit in the competition, and Williams says he hopes to be as "fabulous" as possible throughout.

Speaking to RadioTimes.com and other press, the actor said: "Obviously, there are some weeks that will be like a costume for the theme that you're doing, or the storyline, but I dress many different ways when I'm Layton. So, I feel like, why wouldn't I do that when I'm on Strictly?

"I want to represent me, I want to represent my community and go out there and slay!"

When does Strictly Come Dancing 2023 air?

Strictly Come Dancing 2023 airs every Saturday evening, followed by the results show on the Sunday on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

Strictly Come Dancing Final is on Saturday 16th December at 7pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

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