Strictly Come Dancing fans were left fuming as Layton Williams narrowly missed out on a perfect 40 in Saturday’s highly anticipated Blackpool special.
The 29-year-old West End star showed off his pole dancing skills during his hot dance with professional partner Nikita Kuzmin at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom.
The couple stunned the judges with the Couple’s Choice dance to Christina Aguilera’s “Ain’t No Other Man,” but didn’t receive top marks for the performance.
Despite impressively completing the splits in the standing stage halfway up the bar and then squirming around it in the fast-paced routine, Layton again scored 39 points.
Craig was greeted by loud boos from the crowd when he told Layton and Nikita that they were out of “sync.” Viewers claimed Layton was “robbed” of a perfect 40 as Craig was the only judge not to give them a 10.
Narrow miss: Strictly Come Dancing fans were left fuming as Layton Williams missed out on scoring a perfect 40 in Saturday’s highly anticipated Blackpool special
On
Another ranted: “What the f*** do you have to do to get a 10 from @CraigRevHorwood?” Layton and Nikita, that was truly incredible! “Shame on you, Craig.”
A third said: “Beyond annoyed with Craig – what else can Layton do to get a 10,” and a fourth tweeted: “Craig….ffs…how hard can it be????”
Another raged: “If any other couple on any other series had danced this number it would have been tens across the board!!”
“I don’t care that Layton has dance training.” This also applies to most of the celebrities left in the competition, which has been countless celebrities in the past! That was iconic!’
The high-energy routine saw Layton and Nikita show off their skills as they twisted and descended a pole, flying through the air and dancing in sync with a series of background dancers.
But Craig, who is known for his tough judging, gave his verdict, telling them: “It’s a bit of a dilemma for me because I liked it but it wasn’t quite in sync.”
“It’s about working in the mirror, just for the two of you… Other than that, you’re one of the most incredible dancers I’ve seen in my 20 years on the show.”
Oh dear! Craig was greeted by loud boos from the crowd as he told Layton and Nikita that they were out of “sync” before giving them just a nine
Furious: Viewers took to social media to claim Layton was “robbed” of a perfect 40 as Craig was the only judge not to give them a 10
Wow! The 29-year-old West End star showed off his pole dancing skills during his hot dance with professional partner Nikita Kuzmin at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom
Fast-paced: The high-energy routine saw Layton and Nikita show off their skills as they twisted and slid down a pole, flying through the air and dancing in sync
High Score: Despite Craig’s lower score, Layton and Nikita tied for first place on the leaderboard, while Ellie Leach and Vito Coppolo (pictured) also scored 39 points
However, Anton Du Beke disagreed and gushed: “It’s very hard to outdo Craig, but if you try really, really hard it’s really worth it… They’re just amazing!”
And presiding judge Shirley Ballas said: “Your work ethic is exceptional…pure, pure artistic genius, well done!”
Anton, Shirley and Motsi Mabuse all awarded 10 points, but Craig only gave them a nine, giving them a total of 39 points – a uniquely perfect result.
Despite Craig’s lower score, Layton and Nikita tied for first place on the leaderboard, while Ellie Leach and Vito Coppolo also received 39 points.
The pair seriously impressed the judges as they danced the Charleston to Love Machine by Girls Aloud.
It was the second week in a row that the pair scored 39 points as they topped the leaderboard in week eight with their Argentine Tango to Tattoo by Loreen.
Strictly 2023: Week 9 Leaderboard
Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin – Couple’s Choice to Ain’t No Other Man by Christina Aguilera – 39 out of 40 points
Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola – Charleston to Love Machine by Girls Aloud – 39 out of 40 points
Angela Scanlon and Carlos Gu – Argentinian Tango to Black To Black by Amy Winehouse – 38 out of 40 points
Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell – Jive to Wake Me Up Before You Go Go by Wham! – 35 out of 40 points
Annabel Croft and Johannes Radebe – American Smooth to Unchained Melody by Benedetta Caretta – 35 out of 40 points
Nigel Harman and Katya Jones – Quickstep to It Don’t Mean A Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing by Duke Ellington – 31 out of 40 points
Angela Rippon and Kai Widdrington – American Smooth to Tea for Two by Ella Fitzgerald – 28 out of 40 points
STRICTLY COME DANCING 2023: THE PROFILES OF THE PARTICIPANTS
Angela Rippon
Age: 78
Profession: journalist
Angela said: “I’ve been a fan of Strictly since day one and as a former Come Dancing presenter this will be quite an adventure for me.” “A scary proposition considering I’m about to turn 79. But I’m looking forward to the challenge and maybe learning to dance the Argentine tango.”
Layton Williams
Age: 28
Profession: actor
Layton says: “I’m absolutely delighted to confirm that I’ll be taking part in the UK’s most famous dance competition!” It’s time to take it to the ballroom. I really enjoy learning new skills from the best. Bring on the sequins… ALL the sequins!’
Age: 53
Profession: journalist
Krishnan says: “I’m surprised, delighted and slightly confused to be taking part in Strictly on a ‘you only live once’ basis. “I can’t wait to start learning to dance, but I’m a little worried about my general weakness.”
Age: 40
Occupation: Comedian and radio presenter
Eddie says, “WOW. Anyone who knows me understands that music and dance are so important and central to me. I am so incredibly proud and honored that Strictly and the BBC have asked me to join the 2023 team. I promise you, I will give it everything I can. This will be a VIBE.
Angela Scanlon
Age: 39
Occupation: TV presenter
Angela says: “I’m not particularly fit, I have no idea how my pelvic floor will react to this dancing. “I’ve never done any other dances except drunken jiving at a wedding!”
Adam Thomas
Age: 34
Occupation: Actor and presenter
Adam says: “I can’t dance to save my life, but I’m excited to learn and have a good laugh with my pro. ‘Get me on the dance floor… I can’t wait!’
Age: 22
Occupation: Coronation Street star
Ellie says: “It still doesn’t feel real that I’m going to be doing Strictly!!” It’s always been a dream of mine so I guess dreams really do come true!!!!”
Age: 20
Occupation: EastEnders star and model
Bobby said: “I’m so excited to be part of the Strictly line-up that I can’t wait to start training like a professional dancer and add some moves to my repertoire.” “I’m excited “Looking forward to performing in front of everyone.”
Nigel Harman
Age: 49
Profession: actor
Nigel says: “I’m amazed, excited and scared to be doing Strictly.” As an armchair fan of the show, I watched in awe as people twisted and turned around the screen. And now it’s my turn…Gulp!’
Age: 57
Occupation: Broadcaster and former tennis player
Annabel said: “I’ve always loved watching Strictly and I can’t believe I’m going to be part of this magical show – swapping tennis balls for glitter balls and looking forward to finding some joy along the way.”