Layton Williams, the acclaimed musical theatre star known for his roles in West End hits like “Billy Elliot the Musical” and “Everybody’s Talking About Jamie,” is set to light up the dance floor on the 21st season of the beloved BBC show, Strictly Come Dancing. Since his announcement as a contestant in July, Williams has made it clear that he hopes to be partnered with a male professional dancer, aiming to break new ground in the show’s history.
In an interview with Digital Spy, Williams expressed his desire for a flamboyantly queer playlist, filled with “queen after queen and icons.” He hopes that some of his song choices will make it into the upcoming season’s soundtrack, but he trusts the experienced showrunners to deliver an entertaining experience. Williams’ presence on Strictly is already poised to be unapologetically queer, with plans to use his costumes to represent his LGBTQ+ community proudly.
While Strictly Come Dancing saw its first same-sex pairing in 2020 with Nicola Adams and Katya Jones, the subsequent years have seen the show embrace more LGBTQ+ representation, with contestants like Johannes Radebe and John Whaite making their mark. Layton Williams joins a diverse 2023 line-up, bringing his unique charm to the dance floor, along with other notable figures such as Angela Rippon, Krishnan Guru-Murthy, and Zara McDermott.
Despite the controversies that sometimes swirl around the show, including Amanda Abbington’s recent scrutiny over past comments, the anticipation for the new season is palpable. Layton Williams is primed to add a vibrant, queer twist to Strictly Come Dancing, and audiences worldwide eagerly await his dazzling performances when the show returns to BBC One on September 16th.
Inclusivity and Diversity in the Spotlight
The inclusion of Layton Williams in the Strictly Come Dancing 2023 lineup reflects a growing commitment to LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream entertainment. As the show continues to evolve, it’s evident that the dance floor is becoming a more inclusive and diverse space for all to enjoy. Williams’ journey on Strictly promises to be a celebration of talent, identity, and the power of representation.
