Claire Sweeney has thrown her support behind West End star Layton Williams ahead of the Strictly final this weekend.
The actress, 52, who appeared in the first series of Strictly Come Dancing back in 2004, resonated with the backlash Layton, 29, has received due to his previous dance background.
Layton, 29, reshared a clip a fan had posted of Claire talking about the expectations of her being a good dancer because she had starred in Chicago.
The fan wrote: ‘Here is a clip from the first ever #Strictly episode referencing Claire Sweeney’s vast previous dance experience. Strictly has NEVER been a level playing field. So here’s your last reminder before the final to LEAVE LAYTON ALONE!! #TeamLakita’.
Posting the clip on his own page, Layton wrote: ‘Love this clip of my fabby Aunty’ (sic).
Claire Sweeney has thrown her support behind West End star Layton Williams ahead of the Strictly final this weekend
The actress, 52, who appeared in the first series of Strictly Come Dancing back in 2004, resonated with the backlash Layton, 29, has received due to his previous dance background
Claire responded with: ‘Wow a blast from the past! You are fabulous Layton and what whatever the result on Saturday you and Nikita have brought so much joy into our homes every Saturday night.
‘You are a star and a force of nature. Continue to shine, so proud of you. Auntie Claire’.
Layton replied by telling the actress he can’t wait to see her compete in Dancing On Ice in January.
The actor will dance in the final with his professional partner Nikita Kuzmin.
They will go head-to-head with Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell and Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola.
As a top West End theatre star, Layton has fallen victim to online trolls who say he is too experienced at dancing to be on the show.
The former Billy Elliot performer has hinted the hate could have been brought on because of his multiracial background and the fact he is gay.
Layton, 29, reshared a clip a fan had posted of Claire talking about the expectations of her being a good dancer because she had starred in Chicago
Claire responded with: ‘Wow a blast from the past! You are fabulous Layton and what whatever the result on Saturday you and Nikita have brought so much joy into our homes’
Claire took part in the first series of Strictly alongside John Byrnes and was eliminated in week five
Layton says the level of trolling has been ‘shocking’ and admits while Strictly has featured same sex couples in the past, he is the first ‘queer’ contestant to fully express their ‘flamboyant’ personality on the ballroom floor.
Speaking ahead of Saturday’s final, he said: ‘Obviously, I was aware of the fact that it might have noise, but I definitely did not anticipate how much it has been because I am definitely not the first person to be in this position and I don’t understand why it’s shock horror news because I’m not the first and won’t be the last, let’s keep it moving, you know?
‘From the very beginning, I’ve been like, cool, if people are going to expect a certain level, let’s give them that and then some.’
Layton – who starred in West End hit Everybody’s Talking About Jamie – also claims that his critics only lambast him when he is getting high scores and that his social media quietened down during the weeks he received lower scores from the judges, such as when he danced the Viennese Waltz to There Are Worse Things I Could Do from Grease and was given just 28 points out of 40.
‘It has been hard, the pressure of feeling like you have to do well,’ said Williams who will on Saturday go up against Ellie Leach, 22, and Bobby Brazier, 20, in a bid to lift the Glitterball Trophy.
‘This is the funny thing, no one is going hard and moaning or complaining when I’m rubbish… remember the Viennese Waltz? I didn’t get many tweets that week did I! It’s only when you’re doing cute that people want to drag you down, which is fine, and we have managed to get around that.
‘It has not defined my journey, what has defined my journey has been who we have been able to inspire, not people that are keyboard warriors, they are just a small percentage.’
Layton replied by telling the actress he can’t wait to see her compete in Dancing On Ice in January
STRICTLY COME DANCING 2023: THE CONTESTANTS’ PROFILES
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!’
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.’
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.’
