Layton Williams hits out at ‘Strictly fans’ over ‘bullying’

Layton Williams has hit back at online trolls ahead of the Strictly Come Dancing final.

The actor has been receiving top marks from the judges for his routines, scoring the only perfect 40 of the series so far.

But it seems not everyone has been impressed by his routines.

The Everybody’s Talking About Jamie star took to X (previously Twitter) to respond to “hateful comments”.

He wrote: “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.”

Layton also responded to former Strictly pro Robin Windsor who came to the defence of the Bad Education star.

Robin wrote on the social media: “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

“You should all be ashamed of yourselfs. What ever happened to be KIND ? ”

Layton 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”

Fans were quick to throw their support behind Layton.

“Ignore the hate Layton. You are fantastic and we ❤️ you. People can be nasty behind their keyboards when really they are jealous and envious of how amazing you are!” one wrote.

Another added: “Ignore the haters, jealousy will get them nowhere. You and Nikita are amazing dancers, the judges points show that. Keep on keeping on. Your fans have your back all the way to the glitter ball.”

This weekend will see Layton and Nikita perform for the glitterball against soap actress Ellie Leach and her pro partner Vito Coppola, and soap star Bobby Brazier with pro partner Dianne Buswell

The final three will each perform a trio of routines: Their no-rules show dance, plus two past dances from the series. The judges will pick one routine they want to see again while the couples will pick their favourite dance to reprise.

Presented by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, Strictly Come Dancing continues Saturday and Sunday night on BBC One.

You can catch up on the series online via the BBC iPlayer.