Layton Williams has admitted he doesn’t feel ‘safe’ travelling on public transport due to fears of being abused.
The actor, 29, who is currently appearing on Strictly Come Dancing, opened up about the homophobic and racist abuse he has received on his social media pages.
He also confessed that he doesn’t feel ‘well protected’ and often feels ‘unsafe’ on public transport due to the high levels of abuse he receives.
Layton told how he tries to travel incognito by wearing hats and sunglasses but people sometimes recognise him due to his fame.
He told New! Magazine: ‘I am not that well protected. I get a bit uncomfortable sometimes. People say to me, “get on the Tube” or “get on the bus” but I don’t feel safe, maybe it is just my brain and nobody is looking at me.’
Abuse: Layton Williams has admitted he doesn’t feel ‘safe’ travelling on public transport due to fears of being abused
‘I sit there in my cap and glasses but what if there is one bad egg?,’ he added.
The Bad Education star admitted more fans approach him since he joined the 2023 line-up of Strictly Come Dancing, admitting it can have a ‘mental’ effect on him.
While most fans are polite, Layton said he has suffered both homophobic and racist abuse, telling how ’80 per cent’ of social media comments are trying to ‘drag’ him down.
‘It depends whether they are in a good mood or are drunk shouting at you,’ he said.
Layton said he seeks support from mental health professionals and currently has access to a counsellor through Strictly Come Dancing.
The Everybody’s Talking About Jamie star said he normally asks for more money on jobs so he is able to pay for his therapist as he spoke of how he gets support.
Layton has been taking to the dance floor on the 2023 series of Strictly alongside his professional dance partner Nikita Kuzmin.
And during week four, Layton made Strictly history after dancing a Cha Cha Cha with Nikita and receiving a standing ovation from judge Motsi Mabuse.
Cruel trolls: The actor, 29, who is currently appearing on Strictly Come Dancing with Nikita Kuzmin, opened up about the homophobic and racist abuse he has received online
A triumphant Layton topped the leaderboard after receiving 37 points from the judges and being awarded the earliest 10 for a Cha Cha Cha in the series’ history.
After he finished dancing to Million Dollar Bill by Whitney Houston and made his way over to Tess Daly, the TV presenter said: ‘Wow what a reaction in the room’.
Talking about his performance Shirley Ballas said: ‘Well last week I told you about your partnering skills. You take constructive criticism very very well.
‘You came back here, you didn’t try to outshine anybody, you realised it is team work and team work is what you did.’
She added: ‘You are back in the game!’
Seemingly speechless Anton Du Beke then said a few words: ‘I mean for goodness sake. It was just brilliant.’
The usually sharp-tongued Craig revel Horwood simply said: ‘Million dollar bill. Million dollar dance.’
Impressive: Layton has been taking to the dance floor on the 2023 series of Strictly alongside his professional dance partner Nikita Kuzmin
Wow! Layton topped the leaderboard after receiving 37 points from the judges and being awarded the earliest 10 for a Cha Cha Cha in the series’ history
Last to give her thoughts was Motsi, who exclaimed: ‘It was soft, but strong. Powerful. You listened as Shirley said and we loved it.
‘You add a whole kind of flavour to this whole competition. I could watch it day and night. Bring. It on!’
After the judging, Tess Daly’s co host Claudia Winkleman asked Layton: ‘Shirley said look at the way these two work – that must mean everything?’
Layton then replied: ‘It’s really good. I don’t think people realise, I’m working really hard.’
STRICTLY COME DANCING 2023: WHO ARE THE CONTESTANTS?
Angela Rippon
Age: 78
Profession: Journalist
Angela says: ‘Having been a fan of Strictly since day one, and as a former presenter of Come Dancing, this will be quite an adventure for me. A scary one, considering I’m about to be 79. But I’m looking forward to the challenge, and perhaps being able to learn to dance the Argentine Tango.’
Amanda Abbington
Age: 49
Profession: Actress
Amanda says: ‘I’m thrilled to have been asked to do Strictly. I’m actually really shy and self-conscious so this will be a great opportunity for me to overcome those things.’
Layton Williams
Age: 28
Profession: Actor
Layton says: ‘Absolutely buzzing to confirm that I will be taking part in THE most iconic dance competition in the UK! It’s time to bring it to the Ballroom. So excited to learn new skills from the best. Bring on the sequins… ALL the sequins!’
Krishnan Guru-Murthy
Age: 53
Profession: Journalist
Krishnan says: ‘I’m surprised, delighted and slightly confused to find myself taking part in Strictly on the basis of ‘You only live once!’ I can’t wait to start learning to dance, but I am slightly worried about my general decrepitude.’
Eddie Kadi
Age: 40
Profession: Comedian and radio presenter
Eddie says: ‘WOW. Anyone who knows me, understands that music and dance is so important and central to who I am. I’m so unbelievably proud and honoured that Strictly and the BBC have asked me to join the 2023 Team. I promise you, I’m going to give it everything I’ve got. This is going to be a VIBE.
Angela Scanlon
Age: 39
Profession: TV presenter
Angela says: ‘I’m not particularly fit, I’ve no idea how my pelvic floor is going to react to this dancing. I’ve never done any dances apart from drunken jiving at a wedding!’
Zara McDermott
Age: 26
Profession: Documentary maker and former Love Island star
Zara says: ‘I am so excited to be joining the world of Strictly! I grew up watching it every year with my nan and she was the biggest Strictly fan. We would dance around the house and I have such fond memories of that time in my life.’
Adam Thomas
Age: 34
Profession: Actor and presenter
Adam says: ‘I can’t dance to save my life but I’m buzzing to learn and have a good laugh with my pro. Get me on that dance floor…I can’t wait!’
Ellie Leach
Age: 22
Profession: Coronation Street star
Ellie says: ‘It still doesn’t feel real that I’m going to be doing Strictly!! It’s always been a dream of mine so I guess dreams really do come true!!!!’
Bobby Brazier
Age: 20
Profession: EastEnders star and model
Bobby says: ‘I’m so excited to be part of the Strictly line up, I can’t wait to start training like a professional dancer and adding a few moves to my locker. I’m looking forward to performing in-front of everyone.’
Nigel Harman
Age: 49
Profession: Actor
Nigel says: ‘I’m amazed, excited, and terrified to be doing Strictly. As an armchair fan of the show I have watched in awe as people have twirled and gyrated across the screen. And now it’s my turn…..gulp!’
Annabel Croft
Age: 57
Profession: Broadcaster and ex tennis player
Annabel says: ‘I have always loved watching Strictly and can’t quite believe I’m going to be part of this magical show – swapping tennis balls for glitter balls and looking forward to finding some joyfulness in the process.’
