27 November 2023 , 20:30
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Layton Williams has responded to fans' complaints about his latest performance on Strictly Come Dancing.
Viewers of the popular BBC dance contest had a lot to say about his recent routine with dance partner Nikita Kuzmin, which involved pole dancing. The pair caused quite a stir with their creative routine during the show's special at the Tower Ballroom in Blackpool.
Despite some viewers praising their performance as "creative genius", others were taken aback by the pole element of the routine. Now, Layton has had his say. The former Bad Education shut down critics with a simple three-word question, as he asked trolls: "Why shouldn't we?"
Layton Williams has responded to fans' complaints (BBC)When asked about criticism from former Strictly professionals Brendan Cole and James Jordan over a pole-based routine on last week's episode of the BBC One show, Layton said: "I feel like we've always come out and kind of like done something potentially a little bit more out there pushing the boundaries... we've thrown in this and that... and there's always an element of surprise. Why shouldn't we be swinging from poles and living our best lives? It went down pretty (well) if you ask me so I'm really proud and I stand by it, it's also a couple's choice. Get into it."
Meanwhile, Nikita said the dance had "nothing more to it" than swinging around a pole and dancing. He added: "At the end of the day, we're just two boys dancing together and we are having fun, we're trying to bring a show, and well, if somebody doesn't like this, it's absolutely fine."
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Layton also said people referencing his background performing in the West End was "disrespectful" to Strictly's professional dancers, who are "unbelievable" performers. He explained that the hardest part of competing on the series has been "the noise and the chaos and the silly questions and the silly assumptions" that he has had to deal with.
Layton and Nikita found themselves in the dreaded dance-off over the weekend, but it was TV presenter Angela Scanlon and her partner Carlos Gu who found themselves getting the boot from the BBC series after the judges delivered their verdict. Reflecting on her Strictly experience, Angela told host Tess Daly on Sunday night: "It’s been honestly incredible, I’m gutted, really gutted that it’s finished now, but it has been the most wonderful experience. I have made the best friend in this man [to Carlos].
"We have had so much fun, he is such an incredible guy. He has supported me and picked me up and made me laugh so much. I don’t know what to say, it’s been magical honestly – all of those people up there! My husband at home, my two little girls and all my friends!"
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