Layton Williams, the West End talent known for his outstanding performances, took the Strictly Come Dancing stage by storm in a historic and sizzling Salsa routine for the competition’s week five. Partnered with Nikita Kuzmin, the duo’s performance to Johnny Pacheco & Celia Cruz’s ‘Quimbara’ showcased exceptional talent and creativity.
As the routine began, Williams and Kuzmin set the stage in a vibrant cantina, engaging in a dance duel that intensified with the music. Their electric routine featured intricate moves, twists, turns, and daring dips, leaving the audience in awe. Toward the climax of their performance, they channeled the iconic Johnny and Baby from Dirty Dancing with an epic lift that left the audience stunned.
Their performance, reminiscent of last week’s Cha Cha routine, received enthusiastic applause and rave reviews from the judges. “Listen, I went to Cuba, and I saw a show, and you guys, I could just steal you and put you in that show; this is incredible,” exclaimed judge Motsi Mabuse. Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke echoed similar sentiments, with Ballas describing them as a “magical team” and Du Beke declaring them “pretty much perfect.”
Craig Revel Horwood also praised Williams and Kuzmin but humorously called for improved foot positioning, playfully evoking boos from the crowd. Following their routine, the judges awarded them impressive scores, with a nine from Horwood and 10s from Ballas, Du Beke, and Mabuse, totaling 39 points.
In an exciting revelation, co-host Claudia Winkleman informed Williams and Kuzmin that they had broken a Strictly record, earning a 39 in Week Five, a feat not achieved in 13 years. Fans took to social media to express their admiration for the stunning performance, highlighting Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin’s remarkable journey on the show.
Williams’ exceptional performance on Strictly Come Dancing comes after he candidly discussed online abuse from conservative Strictly fans. Despite his background in musical theatre, Williams continues to face challenges in mastering the intricate routines choreographed by Kuzmin, showcasing his dedication and resilience in the competition.
This historic Salsa performance solidifies Layton Williams as a standout talent on the Strictly Come Dancing stage, captivating audiences and judges alike with his remarkable skills and undeniable charisma. Watch the full Salsa routine to witness this extraordinary moment in dance history.