01 January 2024 , 20:03
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Strictly Come Dancing finalist Layton Williams has broken his silence following the show's final last month, as he penned an emotional message thanking his partner Nikita Kuzmin and fans for their support.
It comes just days after the actor and dancer made the decision to jet out of the UK ahead of the New Year's Eve celebrations.
The 29-year-old West End performer had risen through the ranks during his whirlwind journey on the BBC show. He was awarded a perfect score during his final performance and topped the leaderboard for weeks. However, his hopes to lift the Glitterball trophy were shattered after he was beaten by fellow contestant and Coronation Street Ellie Leach.
Viewers believed Layton was 'robbed' following the public vote, that crowned Ellie the winner. It appears The BBC star hasn't let the defeat bring him down as he shared his excitement ahead of his stint on the Strictly tour. The Strictly Come Dancing live tour is set to dazzle its viewers between January and February on stages across the UK for 30 shows next year.
Celebrating his journey on the show and what he looks forward to in the new year, the dancer shared a collection of clips to his Instagram page. The videos showed Layton and Nikita performing throughout the 12 weeks.
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Alongside it, the dancer took to social media to write: "What a perfect way to end the year... A record-breaking Strictly finalist!!! Wowsa @bbcstrictly was honestly one of the best things I've done in my life. We may not have lifted the glitter ball but we opened up hearts, and I'll be forever grateful for that. Catch me and @nikita__kuzmin on the @strictlycomedancinglive in 2024! Big love x."
Fans were quick to share their praise and support for the Bad Education star. One of his followers wrote: "You're my winners, the best dancing couple ever! You've been absolutely phenomenal every week, in so many ways! You've stolen the heart of so many people who didn't know you before Strictly! I loved you since "Jamie" I wish you a fabulous New Year 2024 darling!"
Another person said: "Congrats on all you achieved on Strictly. Taking same sex dancing to whole new levels on the show!!" A third person chimed in: "My favourite partnership of all time. It was a joy to watch you dance every week."
Layton and Nikita recently announced they would be collaborating once again to teach dance classes. They'll be hosting a 'Dance with Lakita' class in Glasgow, which means fans will be taught by the talented duo with sessions lasting 90 minutes. There will be two classes available on January 27 - one for adults and one for children. Although tickets cost a hefty £50, a percentage of it will go to charity.