Claire Sweeney throws her support behind Layton Williams ahead of the Strictly final as she calls him a ‘force of nature’
Claire Sweeney has supported West End star Layton Williams ahead of the Strictly final this weekend.
The 52-year-old actress, who appeared on the first series of Strictly Come Dancing back in 2004, resonated with the backlash Leighton, 29, received due to his previous dancing experience.
Leighton, 29, shared a video posted by a fan in which Claire talks about how she is expected to be a good dancer because she filmed in Chicago.
A fan wrote: “Here’s a clip from the first episode of #Strictly, referencing Claire Sweeney’s vast previous dance experience. Strictly speaking, there was NEVER a level playing field. So here’s your final reminder before the finale: LEAVE LAYTON ALONE!! #TeamLakita’.
Posting the clip to his page, Layton wrote: “Love this clip of my fabulous auntie” (sic).
Claire Sweeney has supported West End star Layton Williams ahead of the Strictly final this weekend.
The 52-year-old actress, who appeared on the first series of Strictly Come Dancing back in 2004, was the backlash Leighton, 29, received due to his previous dancing experience.
Claire responded, “Wow, what a blast from the past!” You are amazing Leighton and no matter the outcome on Saturday, you and Nikita bring so much joy to our homes every Saturday night.
“You are a star and a force of nature. Keep shining, I’m so proud of you. Aunt Claire.”
In response, Leighton told the actress he couldn’t wait to see her perform on Dancing on Ice in January.
In the finale, the actor will dance with his professional partner Nikita Kuzmin.
They will come face to face with Bobby Brazier, Diane Buswell, Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola.
As a leading West End theater star, Leighton has been the target of online trolls who say he is too skilled at dancing to be on the show.
The former Billy Elliot performer hinted that the hatred could be due to his multiracial background and the fact that he is gay.
Leighton, 29, shared a video posted by a fan in which Claire talks about how she is expected to be a good dancer because she filmed in Chicago.
Claire responded, “Wow, what a blast from the past!” “You are amazing Leighton and no matter what the result on Saturday, you and Nikita have brought so much joy to our homes.”
Claire took part in the first series of Strictly alongside John Byrnes and was eliminated in week five.
Leighton says the level of trolling has been “shocking” and admits that while Strictly has featured same-sex couples in the past, he is the first “queer” contestant to fully express his “flamboyant” personality on the ballroom.
Speaking ahead of Saturday’s final, he said: “Obviously I was aware that there might be noise, but I certainly didn’t expect how big it would be because I’m certainly not the first person to be in this position and I don’t understand why is this shocking news, because I’m not the first and I won’t be the last, let’s continue, you know?
“From the beginning I said, cool, if people are going to expect a certain level, let’s give them that and then some.”
Leighton, who starred in the West End hit Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, also claims his critics only criticize him when he receives high ratings and that his social media went quiet in the weeks he received lower ratings from the judges, for example, when he danced. “Viennese Waltz” “There Are Worse Things I Could Do Because of Grease” received just 28 out of 40 points.
“It was tough, the pressure of feeling like you have to do well,” said Williams, who will face Ellie Leach, 22, and Bobby Brazier, 20, on Saturday in a bid to lift the Glitterball Trophy.
“It’s funny how no one tenses up or moans or complains when I’m being stupid… remember the Viennese Waltz? I didn’t get many tweets that week, did I! It’s only when you’re being nice that people want to put you down, and that’s normal, and we managed to get around that.
“It didn’t define my path, it was those we were able to inspire that defined my path, not the people who are keyboard warriors, that’s just a small percentage.”
In response, Leighton told the actress he couldn’t wait to see her perform on Dancing on Ice in January.
STRICTLY COME DANCEING 2023: PARTICIPANT PROFILES
Leighton Williams
Age: 28
Profession: Actor
Layton says: “Excited to confirm that I will be taking part in the UK’s most iconic dance competition!” It’s time to bring it to the ballroom. It’s so nice to learn new skills from the best. Come on glitter… ALL the glitter!”
Age: 22
Profession: Coronation Street star
Ellie says: “It still feels unreal that I’ll be on Strictly!! This has always been my dream, so I guess dreams really do come true!!!!’
Age: 20
Profession: EastEnders star and model
Bobby says: “I’m so excited to be part of the Strictly line-up and can’t wait to start training like a professional dancer and add a few moves to my locker. I’m looking forward to performing in front of everyone.”
Age: 57
Profession: TV presenter and former tennis player
Annabelle says: “I’ve always loved watching Strictly and I can’t quite believe I’ll be part of this magical show – trading tennis balls for sparkly ones and looking forward to getting some joy out of it.”