Strictly Come Dancing fans have hit back at those who criticised Layton Williams during his time in the competition as his major new role was revealed. The actor and West End star made it to the final of the BBC One dance contest last year.
Layton and his dance partner Nikita Kuzmin continuously wowed the judges and viewers with their top-quality routines and blossoming friendship. They made it to the final after a string of perfect scores, facing fellow runners-up Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell and eventual winners Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola.
Since then the trio of couples were reunited for the Strictly Come Dancing Live tour earlier this year before going their separate ways again and starting their next projects.
READ MORE: Rochelle Humes tells husband Marvin she's 'in love with another man' as fans left distracted
Join our WhatsApp Top Stories and Breaking News group by clicking this link
And while Layton has continued dancing with Nikita, with the pair set to reunite for three live shows this summer, the Bury-born star has revealed what is set to keep him busy throughout the rest of the summer months.
It has been announced that Layto is to play the Emcee in the West End production of Cabaret, as part of new principal casting that also sees Heartstopper star Rhea Norwood take the role of Sally Bowles. They will lead the production from June 3 2024 at the Kit Kat Club at the Playhouse Theatre.
Laytone shared the news from Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club's Instagram page which was then quickly flooded with messages from her celebrity pals and fans. Strictly co-star Angela Scanlon said: "AND SHE'S OFF," while Gorka Marquez posted a string of clapping emojis. Oti Mabuse shared: "Now thiiiiiiiiiiiiis I’m coming to seeeeeeee."
BBC Radio 2 star Zoe Ball commented: "Wowzers congrats Layton." Former S Club Juniors star and theatre actor Jay Perry replied: "THIS IS REVOLUTIONARY! A black Emcee, I could cry! Baby you are going to be legendary."
Meanwhile, @kate.roons shared: "To those who have spoken so negatively and given so much hate during your time in Strictly, I hope this is a big who’s laughing now moment! Look at you Layton and what you have achieved and continue to achieve, you absolute star! You deserve to be on that stage and we love you! Go get em tiger." @sarahbedigan replied: "I agree with everything you say. He's a superstar." But @norwich1810 added: "I called this when he was in strictly. He is perfect for this role."
