LAYTON:
The Strictly star tells Closer about cooking in kitten heels as a teenager, and why he ignores the haters
We may only be halfway through Strictly, but West End performer Layton Williams has already topped the leader board more than once – with notoriously tough judge Craig Revel Horwood even branding him a “theatrical triumph”.
But the star, 29, insists he and dance partner Nikita Kuzmin, 25, don’t let the success get to their heads. Revealing that the pair are always turning their attention to the competition, Layton says, “We don’t want to focus on getting 10s. It’s like, OK, cute, control, alt, delete. Let’s move on and just try to smash it this week. I’m absolutely loving every moment.”
ONLINE TROLLS
As an openly gay contestant on this year’s Strictly, fans have already praised Layton as an “inspiration” to the LGBTQ+ community, and his costumes, including glitzy corsets and floor-length skirts, have wowed viewers. And Layton now says he’s always been comfortable with wearing whatever he wants.
He laughs, “I wear dresses in my normal life on the red carpets. Sometimes, I might whack one on at home if I fancy it. I did have With his Bad Education co-stars a pair of kitten heels back in the day! When I was 14, I used to love putting them on to cook. I’ve always been comfortable wearing whatever I feel comfortable in, so I want that to transfer onto Strictly. It’s a powerful message – live your best life, being you.”
He adds that he always makes sure he’s up to date with his beauty regimes ahead of shows and loves the changes he’s seen to his body. Layton says, “I love a massage and a facial before the show, so I look good on the dance floor. I’m tired from all the training, but my body’s cute! It’s snatched, actually – I’m going to put Nikita to shame. It feels good to just have mind, body and soul in check.”
While Layton has received an outpouring of love online, he has also faced trolls – with some co
