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Strictly fans celebrate Layton’s Grease-inspired drag performance

"Through to slay another day"

By Alastair James

Nikita Kuzmin and Layton Williams on Strictly
Nikita Kuzmin and Layton Williams on Strictly (Image: BBC)

Layton Williams is winning yet more plaudits for his latest performance on Strictly Come Dancing.

The actor, 29, performed in drag on Saturday (7 October) as Rizzo from Grease, while his pro-partner, Nikita Kuzmin was Kenickie. They danced the Viennese Waltz to ‘There Are Worse Things I Could Do.’

The pair received a score of 28 from the judges, but it was on social media that people really expressed their love for the dancers.

“I am obsessed with Layton and Nikita,” wrote one person after show. Meanwhile, someone else said: “Layton and Nikita are the #Heartstoppers couple of dreams.”

“Loved it Layton,” typed another X user, who added: “You & Nikita are absolutely fantastic.”

On Monday (9 October) Layton posted on X, formerly Twitter himself. Referring to the long wait he endured as the results were announced on Sunday’s Strictly show, Layton celebrated that he was “Through to slay another day.”

He continued: “So grateful to everyone who voted. I was a bit shook not gonna lie. They kept us waiiittting. So happy we get to dance together again. I’m learning & I’m growing. Bring on Week 4.”

One Strictly fan commented: “Heres to a WIN babe,” while another added, “You are a star and we will continue to have your back.”

The Everybody’s Talking About Jamie star has been subject to some online trolling given his dance background. As a result many Strictly fans have questioned why he’s on the show, arguing it isn’t fair to other contestants.

Inevitably, as well, there was also some criticism of Layton after he performed in drag. However, one user touched on this showing an image of Layton dressed as Rizzo, and Luba Mushtuk, a pro dancer on Strictly, dressed as the male Mario character, Luigi thereby highlighting the flawed logic.

We’re team Layton!

Strictly Come Dancing returns on BBC One and the BBC iPlayer every Saturday.