11 December 2023 , 16:37
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For weeks Strictly Come Dancing star Layton Williams has been the target of abuse as online trolls felt he had an advantage due to his background in dance.
But now the finalist, 29, who is partnered with professional dance partner Nikita Kuzmin, has addressed the vile online abuse. The star responded to former Strictly professional Robin Windsor's comments that called for the bullying to stop over fears it could hurt Layton's mental health. Robin took to X, formerly known as Twitter, and candidly penned: "STOP this hatred for @LaytonWilliams it’s BULLYING ffs. The poor guy sees all these comments everyone tags him in - how is that supposed to make him feel."
Strictly's Layton Williams hits back at online trolls (Instagram/laytonwilliams)
Layton Williams is in the Strictly final which is on Sunday 17 DecemberLayton replied: "Thanks, Robin. Luckily I have thick skin but it's so draining that so-called 'Strictly fans' go out of their way to drag me down to lift others up. Their fave couples would be SO embarrassed by their comments & so should they. They'll never dim my shine. Big love x."
In a bid to show support, Robin sent him another message saying: "Remember you are a STAR and an inspiration to so many - including myself - good luck in the final next week and SLAYYYYYYYYYYY." But this is not the first time Layton has been forced to shut down negative comments. Back in October, he wrote on social media: "Instead of coming at me with hateful comments, use your energy to shower your fave celeb with love instead. Pretty sure it will make us all feel much better! #ChooseJoy x."
In another post, he shared a picture of himself wearing a comfortable blue bathrobe and making a peace sign. He wrote: "The messages of love are overwhelming but as is the low-key trolling." And again, earlier in October during the second live show of the series, the duo wowed the judges with their quickstep performance to the tune of "Puttin' On The Ritz". All four judges gave the pair a score of nine points each. Craig Revel Horwood even said that Layton's talent was "ridiculous."
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The Bad Education star wrote a statement to hit out at his online abuse. He said at the time: "I'm just here to have fun like all the other contestants. I'm trying to handle this with a smile and determination to slay another day but remember #BeKind." Layton is certainly no stranger to performing as he has previously starred in Hairspray and Billy Elliot, but the BBC judges have insisted that that is a completely different experience to that of Strictly.
Speaking previously to the Mirror ahead of the launch of Strictly's launch, Layton said: "Of course, there's going to be moments that will feel more comfortable being in the rehearsal room and use of dancing. However, I can't stress enough how different [Strictly is]... it's like a plumber trying to be an electrician!"