Layton Williams made Strictly Come Dancing history during Saturday’s live show.
After dancing a Cha Cha Cha with his partner Nikita Kuzmin, the West End star, 29, received a standing ovation from judge Motsi Mabuse.
Viewers saw a triumphant Layton top the leaderboard after receiving 37 points from the judges and 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.
Mind blown: Layton Williams made Strictly Come Dancing history on Saturday nights live show with his partner Nikita Kuzmin
Sensational: Viewers saw a triumphant Layton top the leaderboard after receiving 37 points from the judges and awarded the earliest 10 for a Cha Cha Cha in the series history
‘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.’
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!’
Up in the Clauditoriam, Tess’ 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.
Working it: The duo danced a Cha Cha Cha to Million Dollar Bill by Whitney Houston onthe fourth week of the live dancing competition
Learning: During movie week Layton was told about his partnering skills from head judge Shirley Ballas who said she could tell he had listened and that he takes constructive criticism very very well’
High praise: Anton described the performance as ‘just brilliant’ whilst Craig said it was a ‘million dollar dance’
Working hard: Despite being a West End star Layton praised his dance partner for pushing him and said that he didn’t think people realised how hard he’s working to impress
Great work: Viewers saw a triumphant Layton top the leaderboard after being awarded 357 points from the judges while Jody Cundy was at the other end
Congratulations: The pair and other contestants celebrated the good news with hugs, whopping and lots of jumping
‘Even harder sometimes to impress. I’m just really overwhelmed. I’m buzzing.’
Turning to face the judges to hear their scores, Layton – who has starred in Billy Elliot and Everybody’s Talking About Jamie – received a 9 from Craig, a 10 from Motsi and a 9 from both Shirley and Anton, giving him a total score of 37.
Claudia then told a shocked Layton that it was the highest score of the series and the earliest 10 for a cha-cha in Strictly history.
The actor is fast becoming a fan favourite after viewers heaped praise on him as he danced in drag for Movie Week last Saturday, sporting a bright pink top and a black skirt for the ballroom dance.
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!’
Nikita Kanda
Age: 27
Profession: Radio and TV presenter
Nikita says: ‘I can’t believe I’m going to be on Strictly. This is a dream come true. I’m still pinching myself. I don’t think it will properly sink in until I step onto the dancefloor. I can’t wait to get glammed up and get out there. Throw the glitter on me!’
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!!!!’
Jody Cundy
Age: 44
Profession: Paralympic champion
Jody says: ‘I’m looking forward to the challenge and pushing myself way out of my comfort zone, especially as I’m always last onto the dance floor. Can’t wait to get stuck in, bring on the glitter and sequins.’
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.’
