In the electrifying 21st season of Strictly Come Dancing, Layton Williams, known for his role in “Bad Education,” has consistently wowed audiences and judges alike with his remarkable dance performances alongside partner Nikita Kuzmin. From their stunning Grease-inspired Viennese waltz, which featured Williams in drag, to their scorching Salsa routine, their journey on the show has been nothing short of iconic. However, during Week 10 of the competition, they faced an unexpected challenge as they found themselves in the bottom two for the first time.
Undeterred by their low scores, Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin bounced back with renewed energy for Week 11’s musical-themed episode. The pair turned up the heat with a passionate Paso Doble performance set to the tune of Moulin Rouge!’s ‘Backstage Romance.’ As the performance unfolded, they stood at the center of a large heart, surrounded by backup dancers creating a sensual ambiance. Williams executed a series of impressive moves on Kuzmin, including dips and leg extensions, before the two descended the stairs to complete the routine.
The performance, set to a jukebox medley of Lady Gaga and Britney Spears hits, showcased their incredible dance chemistry. Toward the climax of their routine, Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin delivered a breathtaking final lift and pose, leaving the audience in awe.
As always, their performance received thunderous applause and effusive praise from the judges. Craig Revel Horwood reminisced, “It took me back, darling, to 1988 when I danced at the Moulin Rouge. However, it was not like that. That was fabulous!” Motsi Mabuse commended the duo for their resilience in the face of negativity, noting, “Just remember you left your footprint here. You were here, and you were stunning.”
Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the exceptional teamwork displayed by the two talents. After the judges’ scores were revealed, which were all perfect 10s (40 points), Layton Williams took to social media to celebrate the achievement and express gratitude to his dance partner and teacher, Nikita Kuzmin.
In a heartwarming statement, Layton Williams wrote, “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 & teacher ever – @kuzmin__nikita!” He continued, “Think what you want about me, but give him his flowers plz.”
In another tweet, the beloved talent thanked his fans and viewers for their encouraging messages and comments, promising to continue representing the theater and LGBT community proudly. Layton Williams’ journey on Strictly Come Dancing serves as a testament to resilience and the power of dance to break down barriers.
