Strictly’s Layton Williams gets a rare standing ovation from Craig Revel Horwood as he and Nikita Kuzmin break down in tears during emotional moment in semi-final
Strictly Come Dancing’s Leighton Williams earned a rare standing ovation from Craig Revel Horwood during Saturday’s semi-final.
The 29-year-old actor and his professional dance partner Nikita Kuzmin, 25, scored a perfect 40 for the second week in a row as they try to secure a place in next week’s final.
Layton scored a perfect 40 last week for a mesmerizing Paso Doble, and again this week scored a perfect score for Charleston, which fits like a fiddle from Gene Kelly and Donald O’Connor.
They first danced Rihanna’s Rumba Raise Me, which earned them 36 out of 40 points, before leaving Craig, 58, stunned with his Charleston.
Craig rose to his feet and gave them a very rare standing ovation, applauding them while Layton and Nikita looked very surprised by the stern judge’s praise.
Strictly Come Dancing’s Leighton Williams earned a rare standing ovation from Craig Revel Horwood during Saturday’s semi-final.
Craig told them, “This is the best Charleston I’ve seen in 20 years.”
While Motsi Mabuse echoed it, adding: “There’s nothing better and it’s a testament to your hard work and that everyone around you is great.”
Craig, Motsi, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke gave Leighton and Nikita 10 points each for the routine, seeing them achieve a perfect score for the second time.
The pair looked completely stunned to receive their marks and Nikita broke down in tears as he paid tribute to his dance partner.
Nikita also made a cryptic comment about how Layton still brings “joy” to people despite what’s going on in his “personal life”, hinting at difficulties.
He said, “You try to bring joy to everyone – no matter what happens outside or in your personal life – I won’t go into detail – you always bring joy.”
“You make me shine with how much you shine, you are one of my best friends.”
Layton is hoping to secure his place in next Saturday’s final, when he will take on Ellie Leach, Bobby Brazier and Annabelle in the race for the glitter ball. The three finalists will be announced on Sunday’s results show.
After receiving the results, Nikita also made a cryptic comment about Layton still bringing “joy” to people despite what was going on in his “personal life”, hinting at difficulties.
Their last dance came after Nikita hit back at trolls who continued to abuse Leighton during his time on Strictly.
The pair addressed the ongoing trolling during a joint appearance on ITV This Morning last week, with Nikita describing it as “sad and unnecessary.”
Layton is often targeted by trolls due to his West End background, with some claiming the celebrity is a “professional dancer” and that he has an “unfair” advantage.
Speaking about the hateful comments sent to him online, Layton said: “It’s like, ‘Can’t you just dress like a man, please, please wear a suit!’ and I was like, “Girl, relax!”
Nikita was quick to defend Layton, saying: “We’re a little bit protective of our partners and we just see how sometimes people say things or say things that they shouldn’t say.
“Sometimes things get to him and that’s the personal side, I find it sad and unnecessary (trolling). At the end of the day, we just want to make people happy, we just want to put on a show…”
Layton added: “I’m sure you know what it’s like: You can have 1,000 amazing messages and then you only get one (negative) and you’re like, ‘Ugh!’ but in times like these I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again…even Beyoncé has haters, so!”
Layton also recently took to X, formerly known as Twitter, urging harsh critics to “use your energy to pour out love” rather than write hurtful comments.
Their last dance came after Nikita hit back at trolls who continued to abuse Leighton during his time on Strictly.
The pair addressed the ongoing trolling during a joint appearance on ITV’s This Morning last week, with Nikita calling it “sad and unnecessary”.
Layton also recently took to X, formerly known as Twitter, urging harsh critics to “use your energy to pour out love” rather than write hurtful comments.
Leighton received tons of praise for his incredible dancing on the show, but he was also hit with hate.
He wrote: “Instead of attacking me with hateful comments, use your energy to shower your favorite celebrity with love. I’m sure this will make us all feel a lot better!”
Leighton has previously said he is seeking support from mental health professionals and currently has access to a Strictly counsellor.
Elsewhere this week, the identity of Leighton’s mystery boyfriend was revealed after the pair enjoyed a romantic getaway last month.
It was confirmed that Leighton had found love with deli owner and fellow actor James Harper.
The couple, who went Instagram official in November, hit it off when they met at Glastonbury Festival.
A source told The Sun: “James has been by Leighton’s side throughout Strictly.
“He even went to Blackpool to watch him perform there. They are clearly made for each other.”
James is a fellow actor, having previously acted on stage and now also owns a deli and bar in London.
MailOnline then contacted Leighton’s representatives for comment.
Leighton introduced his new boyfriend with a “hard launch” on Instagram on James’ birthday.
Elsewhere, the identity of mystery boyfriend Layton was revealed after they went on a trip last month. Leighton met the love of deli owner and actor James Harper.
Leighton showed off his man in a sweet post, wishing him a happy birthday, but revealed he would keep his name and other details private.
He shared on Instagram Story: “Happy birthday my love!” #hardlaunch but no @ because y’all are too (nosy).”
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Layton previously hinted he was in a relationship, telling Alan Carr’s Life’s a Beach podcast: “I have a man, you know, he’s new, it’s just a soft launch on Instagram.”