Layton Williams reveals he’s TEACHING dance classes after Strictly fix row over previous experience
STRICTLY Come Dancing finalist Layton Williams has revealed he's teaching dance classes - despite being slammed for his previous experience on the show.
The BBC programme raised eyebrows from the off after signing up the West End theatre star, 29, who went on to reach the final three in the 2023 series.
Layton recently starred in hit musical Everybody's Talking About Jamie.
The Bad Education actor first found fame with his fancy footwork in the stage adaptation of Billy Elliott in 2007.
He did lots of promotion for the show, and his training was even documented on The Paul O'Grady Show.
After Strictly Come Dancing's final this weekend saw Ellie Leach crowned winner, Layton and professional show partner Nikita Kuzmin, 25. have revealed their latest project.
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The Bury-born star is hosting a special Dance With Lakita class in Glasgow.
It features the BBC pair and lasts 90 minutes per session, on January 27.
There will be two classes - one for adults and another for kids aged seven to 17.
While tickets cost a pricey £50, a portion of the proceeds will go to charity.
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Previously, a source told of Layton's controversial sign up to Strictly: "Layton is an incredible dancer and performer.
"Strictly bosses signing him for the show will ruffle some feathers because he is professionally trained and has extensive experience with learning difficult choreography, which many of the contestants, especially those from a sporting or political background, will at first find impossible.
"The show has been criticised in the past for recruiting contestants with a background in dance and this year will be no different as Layton is a star in his own right and known for being an impeccable dancer on stage."
Layton first followed his performing arts talent when he studied street dance and drama at Carol Godby's Theatre workshop in Bury.
He has also studied ballet at Centre Pointe, Manchester.
Meanwhile, during the show, judge Motsi Mabuse broke down as she praised the star's skills and his strength despite the flack he was getting.
With tears in her eyes, she gave feedback to the performer after the pair dazzled with a sizzling Paso Doble, which saw them scoop the first 40 of Strictly Come Dancing's 2023 series.
In her segment, Motsi, 42, was clearly touched by the dramatic routine and stood up to applaud.
She said: " "I have to commend both of you because all of this negativity you have been receiving and to shine on week on week, on week on week.
"Coming back. Never losing yourself.
"Always trying to push the boundaries always trying to do something very different, something very special."
She wrapped her comment with the words: "No matter what happens, just remember you left your footprint here, you were here, and you were stunning.
"Amazing!" before giving them another round of applause.
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Fans were quick to react on X, with one ranting: "Motsi doesn't even try to hide that she's showing favouritism towards Layton."
Yet many fans were quick to defend the performer - claiming he should have scooped the Glitterball Trophy because of his skills.
