Strictly's Layton Williams speaks out on "overwhelming" cruel trolling

Following the score, the West End star revealed he had been receiving and "overwhelming" amount of "messages of love" and "trolling".

"The messages of love are overwhelming but as is the low key trolling," he wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

He continued: "I'm just here to have fun like all the other contestants. I'm trying to handle this with a smile and determination to slay another day but reminder #BeKind."

Williams has received criticism from viewers for being in the dance competition due to him being a theatre performer, with rumours circulating he had previous dance training.

Ahead of his Strictly debut, the actor responded to the criticism after a fan wrote: "Not a dance expert as such but I am a dancer and know for a fact he will have studied ballroom and/or Latin to some degree."

Williams quote-Tweeted the post, saying: "Lemme clear up this *fact* real quick. I had my 1st introduction to Ballroom & Latin class in rehearsals yesterday (along with the rest of the @bbcstrictly cast) and it was also so much fun xxx"

Read more:

• Who is Layton Williams? Meet the Strictly Come Dancing 2023 contestant and West End star
• Strictly star Layton Williams tells judges to bring on the criticism

Williams's Strictly co-stars have also defended him from the online hate, with Les Dennis sending his support to the actor on X.

Dennis wrote: "Don't listen to the haters Layton. I was mesmerised by yours and Nikita's performance. You are a true star and that irritates some but exhilarates most. #believe x"

Strictly Come Dancing continues on Saturday 7th October at 6:20pm.

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