Layton Williams backed by Hollywood legend's wife ahead of Strictly final

13 December 2023 , 16:46

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Layton Williams backed by Hollywood legend's wife ahead of Strictly final

The widow of legendary actor Gene Kelly was left so impressed by Strictly Come Dancing star Layton Williams' performance, she took to social media to congratulate him.

The 29 year old star, who is in the final along with Bobby Brazier and former Coronation Street star Ellie Leach, performed their version of Gene and Donald O'Connor's dance to Fit As A Fiddle over the weekend. And on the back of seeing their performance for which they were awarded a perfect 40 points, Patricia Kelly has given Layton and his professional dance partner Nikita Kuzmin her backing - for the world to see.

Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin perform their version of Gene Kelly's dance (BBC/Guy Levy)

Taking to Facebook, Patricia who married the star famed for his role in Singin' in the Rain, wrote: "A lovely nod to Gene and Donald by Layton and Nikita with their Charleston on Strictly Come Dancing. Gene always said ‘Don’t imitate me. Take what I did and go beyond. I think these two mastered that."

She wrote her message alongside a picture of the nostalgic dance. Patricia became his third wife in 1990 when he was 77 and she was 30 years old at the time. This comes after Layton was forced to hit back at online trolls who have targeted him for his background in dance as they believe he has had an unfair advantage.

Earlier this week Layton 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."

EastEnders' Jake Wood's snap of son has fans pointing out the pair's likeness

Gene Kelly was a legendary Hollywood actor (Getty Images)

Patricia Kelly married the actor in 1990 when he was 77 (WireImage)

Layton then posted on the same social media platform: "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."

The Bad Education star wrote a statement backm in October to hit out at his online abuse, which started during the second live shows of the series. 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.

Lucretia Munro