BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Layton Williams breaks silence after losing out on trophy

Strictly Come Dancing star Layton Williams has broken his silence after losing out on the Glitterball trophy. Theatre star Layton, from Bury, and partner Nikita Kuzmin were at the top of the leader board during Saturday night's final.

They earned an impressive 119 out of a possible 120 points from the judges, with EastEnders actor Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell following closely behind with 117. But they were both beaten by Coronation Street actress Ellie Leach and her partner Vito Coppola, who, despite earning the lowest scores of the night with 115 points, won on the public's vote.

Throughout the competition, Layton has been criticised as many viewers reckoned his West End background made him a professional dancer. Former Strictly stars defended him, while the 29-year-old previously 'slammed' so-called Strictly fans who'd send him hate via social media.

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On Saturday, he shared an update on life since Strictly. Returning to his Instagram Stories, Layton reshared a post from an upset fan. The person had shared a photo of their young son in a glittery turquoise dress, writing: "A lot of heart break in our house today over the @bbcstrictly result.

"@lautonwilliams @nikita_kuzmin thank you from the bottom of our hearts for showing him that being fully, fabulously, unapologetically himself is to be celebrated." Adding to the post, Layton typed a heart and tearful-faced emoji.

He then went on to share a photo of himself in a bubble bath as he held up a mug and wrote: "Aaaaannnd... Relax."

Runner-up Dianne,