Strictly Come Dancing ‘s Layton Williams shared his reaction to a standing ovation from Craig Revel Horwood in Saturday’s semi final.
The actor, 29, and his dance partner Nikita Kuzmin, 25, secured a rare standing ovation from Craig after they bagged a perfect 40 for the second week running.
The pair’s flawless Charleston meant the twinkle-toed star and Nikita secured a place in this week’s final.
Layton responded to the moment during an interview on Strictly: It Takes Two on Thursday night.
‘I didn’t know what was going to come out of his mouth,’ Williams said, adding that he was ‘shook’.
Strictly Come Dancing ‘s Layton Williams shared his reaction to a standing ovation from Craig Revel Horwood in Saturday’s semi final
The actor, 29, and his professional dance partner Nikita Kuzmin, 25, bagged a perfect 40 for the second week running and secured a place in this week’s final
He continued: ‘It was the biggest pat on the back.’
The week before, Layton nabbed a perfect 40 for a mesmerizing Paso Doble, and once again got a perfect score this week for Charleston to Fit as a Fiddle by Gene Kelly and Donald O’Connor.
They first danced the Rumba to Lift Me Up by Rihanna, which they got 36 out of 40 points for, before leaving Craig, 58, gobsmacked by their Charleston.
Craig got to his feet as he gave them a very rarely-seen standing ovation for the routine as he clapped them, while Layton and Nikita looked very surprised by the strict judge’s praise.
Craig told them: ‘That’s the best Charleston that I have seen in 20 years.’
While Motsi Mabuse echoed him as she added: ‘There is nothing that has been better, and this is a testament to your hard work and anyone around you, well done.’
Craig, Motsi, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke all gave Layton and Nikita 10 points for the routine, seeing them get a perfect score for the second time.
The pair appeared completely overwhelmed upon getting their scores and Nikita broke down in tears as he paid tribute to his dance partner.
They first danced the Rumba to Lift Me Up by Rihanna (pictured), which they got 36 out of 40 points for, before leaving Craig, 58, gobsmacked by their Charleston
Craig told them: ‘That’s the best Charleston that I have seen in 20 years’ as he commented on their high-energy dance
Nikita also made a cryptic comment about Layton still bringing ‘joy’ to people despite what happens in his ‘personal life’ as he hinted at difficulties.
He said: ‘You try to bring joy to everyone – no matter what happens outside or in your personal life – I’m not going to go into that – you always bring joy.
‘You make me shine with how much you are shining, you are one of my best friends.’
Layton is hoping to secure their place in next Saturday’s final, and is up against Ellie Leach, Bobby Brazier and Annabel in the race for the glitterball. The three finalists will be revealed in Sunday’s results show.
The pair appeared completely overwhelmed upon getting their scores and Nikita broke down in tears as he paid tribute to his dance partner
