Layton and Nikita Salsa to Quimbara by Johnny Pacheco and Celia Cruz ✨ BBC Strictly 2023

[@karyne826]

Give them their own show. I’d tune in every week to watch. Phenomenal talent.

[@FOTUNA100]

Pure joy. Brothers from another mother.

[@mrgreenleafx]

This is the best partnership! I feel like they are both learning from each other and honestly Nikita looks like he's having the time of his life!

[@TigerPrawn_]

It's so nice for the professionals who don't have to shout out the moves under their breath and can have fun dancing knowing their partner's got it

[@stevehutchins3429]

@@TigerPrawn_ he does’nt need to do much choreography either he must have one of the easiest training sessions out

[@stevebbuk9557]

..and so they should, if their partner is already a professional dancer.@@TigerPrawn_

[@Dolittlesart]

THEY MAKE ME SMILE! WATCHING THEM BRINGS ME JOY!!!❤️

[@rosied456]

I don’t mind if a celeb has previous dance experience when you get to watch a performance like this! It’s so satisfying being able to see a celeb pull off challenging choreography

[@jamespashley8646]

not really fair tho is it

[@rosied456]

@@jamespashley8646 Yeah but several other of the celebs this year have dance experience. There are normally celebs with dance experience in the competition every year🤷🏻‍♀️

[@silverbrumbyfan]

People are too quick to jump on the fact hes had training when most actors and actresses on the show probably have had some form of experience and no one has ever bitched like they've bitched before about them Strictly isn't necessarily about who is the best dancer, they all dance at different levels and thats how they are judged, thats why a dance that looks amazing to us might still be marked lower because it missed a couple of details. So because Layton is so good the judges expect more from him, an average dance might be fine for other celebs but if Layton danced something that was average he would get lower marks because they know hes capable of so much more. Its that pressure that can lead to mistakes, lower marks and the dance off.

[@barbarawebb5782]

​@@silverbrumbyfan And I believe Shirley has already said in one of the prior dances, that they do expect more from him because they know he can do more.

[@TigerPrawn_]

@@silverbrumbyfan But then that makes the scores uneven across the board. A person who has never danced before will get a 7 because they improved, and then a much better dancer with experience will also get a 7 for a not great dance to their standard.

[@justineifeagwu476]

This is one of the best salsa I have seen in strictly, the choreography is amazing. Clayton is simply awesome and Nikita deserves a gold medal for choreography. Well done boys.

[@ruthrackham2983]

unbelievable chemistry and musicality. love this song and this performance has become iconic.

[@francisallan7120]

Still watching this and smiling from ear to ear each and every time. Thank you gents.

[@eggplantsky]

I'm in the States, but saw Layton on the Graham Norton show and they played a clip of he & Nikita doing the cha-cha. I was so impressed not only by his amazing dancing but just his whole personality and demeanor. Bravo!

[@karyne826]

Layton does seem like a thoroughly nice person. Lots of humility too. I so hope they win. By far the best ever on strictly.

[@pinkcrayfish726]

I think people are forgetting that Strictly is an entertainment show and regardless of who has had more dance experience than others its enjoyable watching all the contestants at all different ability levels. Ultimately it's a public vote for who wins so i don't understand the haters who say it's manipulated by the BBC. On the contrary I commend the BBC for moving with the times and making Strictly more inclusive for everyone regardless of race, disability or sexual preference.

[@TigerPrawn_]

Those two statements are non-sequiters. One is a comment on the professionalism of the celebs, one is on the progressiveness of the pairings. They aren't really connected...

[@marialenya6305]

Layton..WE SEE YOU. You and Nikita are making history as not only the best partnership but the BEST dances ever on strictly. Never forget who you are, these performances are beyond incredible (and it's only week 5??) Enjoy every moment and keep blessing us with strictly gold

[@honey_w777]

THIS DANCE IS ICONIC. I’m just speechless ngl and I mean their partnership is incredible honestly. Thanks so much for making me smile and dance too 💗😂

[@essy1able]

MY WINNERS!! THEY'RE INCREDIBLE!! I truly look forward to their routines every weekend!! 😍👏🔥💕

[@peterwilliamskelhorn6675]

@essy1able me too.

[@Anonymous-xk4fy]

PERFECT!!!! Synchronised, amazing hip action, full of energy and they're so joyous to watch. I don't care if he had training before, that doesn't nullify how fabulous this was! 10

[@camanniemay9445]

Everything came together to make this such a fantastic dance- music, lifts, synchronisation... perfection!

[@janey1133]

Wonderful dance by gorgeous Layton and Nikita!

[@danielcronin98]

The boys have brilliant chemistry excellent partnership. Another amazing performance

[@TigerPrawn_]

@ghi95 Ys plz

[@peterwilliamskelhorn6675]

​@ghi95Nikita has a girlfriend. But i can see why you want that to happen

[@liashenton]

Their synchronization is amazing. Loving their partnership ❤

[@blueberryxbugaboo6902]

This was the defining dance for me where you could actually see the start of their friendship, you can see the tension in some of their beginning dances before the cha cha cha they were just partners/co-workers but with this dance you can actually see less tension and then having fun with it and in their rehearsal footage

[@Ria-xl7kz]

This is what it looks like when you're having fun AND winning in life. 🤩

[@dyaneleblanc6447]

It was amazing. They pulled it off! Last week they struggled with the spin but pulled it out on Saturday! This week was the lift Layton was scared of and they nailed it! With all the backlash he’s gotten I like the fact he struggles with ballroom . People need to back off a little. These routines are tough on you even if you know how to dance! Kudos to them!

[@joshjones5062]

Maybe so but this wasn't worth a 10 lacked fluidity for a salsa.

[@dyaneleblanc6447]

@@joshjones5062 opinions. But definitely the best of the night and yes it deserved a 10

[@oiooi6460]

​@@joshjones5062ok Craig lol

[@joshjones5062]

@@dyaneleblanc6447 even his dance last week was better

[@karyne826]

Exactly. Ballroom especially is very difficult. Layton has no experience of that.

[@mellybeetaylor8177]

That was a hot salsa!! That was magnificent!! Nikita's choreography is on fire!!! 10/10

[@j.gonzales.2050]

Crazy good. So synchronised, so polished. Absolutely perfect

[@christitheboss3683]

Iconic Dance🔥🔥🔥🔥 I’ve never seen a Salsa like this but damn it was excellent I truly thinkthat he will and deserve to win this two are just so good and well paired💫💫💫💫🔥 Excited to see what they are going to do next!!!!!!!

[@louiseclifton2239]

this was absolutely amazing their partnership is so special to watch each other and can we all agree its nikitas year!!!

[@kiwigirljacks]

That was an incredibly difficult routine!!! And they really owned it 👏👏🙌

[@pennyandfishy7241]

Score - *10/10* Layton knocks it out of the park again with pure excellence and fullness. I saw him on the Graham Norton show last night and I'm just in love, so fun and expressive and honsetly one of the best dancers in strictly ever. Nikita deserves this as he has had incredible partnerships with both Ellie and Tilly. Fabulous spins, dynamite armogrpahy and lifts, hips and rhythtm that would go on for days, so many unique and new moves for Salsa and I loved all the tempo changes so difficult to stay in sync when it's energy is constantly changing but they were as timed as window wipers on a brand new Tesla. It was absolutely fantastic 💕 what else can I say just consistently incredible and i can't say I was expecting any less, im loving the character changes from Layton and the connection changes between them every week too!

[@AaronWilkins-w8e]

Nah not a 10. Needed semi hold content and more Cuban hip action rather than the strange contemporary acrobatic style stuff. Excellent, nimble and confident but not a truly astounding example of salsa

[@daneb.mcfadhen9896]

Finally, men dancing together. And beautifully.

[@randyslovacek]

I've been a professional dancer for 45 years. This is fantastic!

[@heartlocket91]

Well done Layton. But I love that we get to see Nikita’s choreography shine. ✨

[@johnwestleyjones5515]

Every week I wait in anticipation what these guys bring to the show. They are making history creating the most iconic routines I have seen on strictly. There is just something about layton that you cannot wait to watch and I'm like here we go before every performance. Its pure star quality that is a rare gift and not that often seen in a show like this...... I am very rarely impressed and I have to see something special and magical to make comment.... Hence I am witnessesing that now and give full praise and credit to both guys..... 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@Muzzy68]

These two are mesmerising

[@CPMV71]

Amazing. I wish I could vote. Seriously. Soooo good. A true Cuban Salsa. Well done guys

[@brunorussell4903]

My Score: 10!! I know there’s debate about his experience but you have to judge what you see and it’s rhythmic, synchronised and perfect!

[@person2344]

Scores: Craig-9 Motsi-10 Shirley-10 Anton-10 🟰39

[@carolgoldfinger6381]

This guy is fantastic. He is like a professional. My money is on him to win.

[@caroljohn39]

I just love the way Layton and Nikita dance together. If I had to choose to describe how it makes me feel, I would choose ,'Joy'. To the haters I say 'Bah Humbug!'.

[@Snoopy_2607]

One word...a-maz-ing. Phenomenal from Layton.

[@IvanIV05]

That was fantastic, I just can't stop watching it. And I think that afro actually looks good on Layton.

[@lilgeorge34]

These two should have won without doubt.

[@egilejankute2136]

Dance-emotion in motion to the heart -from the heart -for the heart💯💙

[@thebeachisdark7]

Nikita's choreography is AMAZING

[@ribena607]

Brilliant. Very different flavour to the salsa with them not being in each others arms throughout. So many unexpected moments too! (Really was not expecting that afro either! Haha) Particularly loved the little sequence from 1:16 to the lift! Layton just always brings it.

[@AndersBu]

They are 200% when they do a bromance 🎉 all that power ❤❤

[@Mrjjboi123]

Just love Nikita - love Layton too - brilliant partnership - go boys go

[@thegabrielhyde]

There is something so, so powerful about how Layton has absolutely no gender rules.

[@tonebalone73]

So effortless and fluid. Love bro rivalry west side stories dynamics of Layton and Nikita. 10/10

[@emmybm15]

So bloody brilliant and absolutely congratulations on getting 39!!! ❤❤❤❤❤

[@Ilovestrictly]

Absolutely brilliant…🤩 great musicality, a very complexed routine executed perfectly. Well done guys ❤

[@DeshaGlennon]

I love this partnership! So so great!

[@annettealexander3673]

OK I just picked my jaw off the ground. Stunning

[@graceamamilo6704]

Well done Nikita and latyon this was the best dance of strictly dance dancing series

[@tootsm.]

Loved the Cuban flavour to this Salsa!!

[@emmajm3112]

loved loved LOVED this routine

[@gillianlaing1073]

Nikita and layton,you brought cuba back to me,well done

[@reid69uk]

This is the best dance I've seen on strictly 😮. Sensational. Danny Mack and Oti are still iconic but this...it's phenomenal ❤❤

[@lisaR.3]

Leyton looked like a professional here. At sections he was better than Nikita. Incredible. I liked the concept. It was a bit like anything you can do, I can do better. Dance battle type vibe. I loved it

[@gaelle4328]

Nikita wasn’t going full out… though with layton he can let loose a bit …they are meant to show off the talent and complement not outperform it.

[@fin7313]

the bbc isnt trying to do anything. if they wanted same-sex couples to win they wouldve done it the past 3 years

[@AbcDef-ww2gy]

@@user-yz1jq6yx4c At least 7 of the contestants have a strong dance background (including Nigel Harman being a West End lead), but of course it's the same-sex partnership which riles up the bigots. You people are so obvious, it's pathetic.

[@larhumba4233]

​​@@user-yz1jq6yx4c As if other West End performers haven't been on Strictly before! Going back to Series 1, so I don't know why Layton is getting flak?

[@larhumba4233]

I loved it too, but the Telegraph critic wanted more dancing in hold less side by side.

[@kristiantorres2630]

They both are amazing... They should be in the Final!!!

[@elliottbradley6302]

.... Spicy 🔥🥵!!!!and I just love your commitment to each dance your dynamics level changes.....and that chemistry is out of this world.... 💞😉💖💞👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽✨✨✨

[@pennyandfishy7241]

Layton & Nikita are the best as always, one of the best dancers in strictly history 😍

[@nicolahicks6451]

Love, love, love this dance!

[@zdenekhorvath873]

this is the best Salsa of whole existence of this show.

[@carlyhope]

They are an amazing partnership. I love how they are becoming more and more of a team. I love watching Nikita making the role of a partner and a teacher more and more his own with each season. And Layton is just ... a delight. I kept and keep wondering what Jorge would say about this salsa :P

[@naimaboukhouf]

Best dancing sorry no Especially he got lots dance experience and to blame others with and no mention it for him 😮 Also he is moving lots for no reason 😂😂😂

[@salutiesse]

BEAUTIFUL

[@PreppiesX0X0]

Just exquisite! Off the charts for me, hip action was there, great choreography from Nikita yet again! Great movements across the floor, just insane! This is Nikita’s year and partner he should deserve. This is super fun and funky! Yes yes yes Layton! You guys rock! 😊

[@susanlaffan6934]

Just incredible , they are brilliant

[@rafaelyaguaro2842]

Come on!! Knew it they would smash the Salsa the moment I saw a Celia Cruz song! This was jaw dropping!! Craig, love,, don't be stingy, give them the perfect score

[@danjon8799]

Now I will be honest, whether I like it or not I have been quite critical of Layton in the past and I don't know the reason why (perhaps the number one being he is the most experienced in dance so my expectations have been high) but the big thing I've been saying is I want to see that leading from him as well as Nikita and to see a proper partnership. Well tonight I saw that. Yes was it a typical Salsa? Not quite. But it was definitely highly reminiscent of what you would see in places like Cuba and the thing was it felt like both of them went out of their way to really make sure they showed the leadership that was required for this dance. Lifts, incredible. Hips, incredible and the dance - incredible. 10 (First one of the series for me by the way).

[@claudia2757]

Layton, you must win! You are the best!

[@fiesta00]

BRILLIANT xx

[@PatriciaBrown1711]

These two definitely in the final. Amazing.

[@Shmiguelly]

This looks like it could have come from a film about salsa dancing in the Caribbean it was so well done.

[@traceybradbury5022]

I really liked their dance deserved the 10s ❤

[@patdoe5242]

Leyton and Nikita was tremendous with this dance they will definitely be in the final

[@MLuleva]

I really loved this- Nikita is a genius when it comes to choreography. Super nice!

[@paulszymanski1005]

AMAZING!!!

[@ajsherwin6131]

One of the best dances in strictly❤ in my own personal opinion

[@Strictlys_5th_Judge]

Score: 9/10 Sheeeesh! What a performance that wasss! Rhythm, timing, hip action, musicality, AMAZING! He did not miss a beat as always and his energy is just untamed! He is definitely gonna be the first celeb to get a 40 this year, I'm calling it. In bits of the dance he could've used a bit less attack but it wasn't much of an issue because this is a wild dance. Overall, what an exceptional, sensational, crowd-pleasing performance. AMAZING!

[@deafeningoctopus]

He's so damn FLEXIBLE! It helps that he's an extremely likeable guy too. My score: 9

[@sebastiankinnunen5549]

Beautiful. Fantastic. Love from Finland❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@rebekahameraful]

AMAAAAAAAAzing!!!!!!!

[@daneshadaniels2051]

Absolutely amazing performance 👏👏 👏 Love it ❤

[@meredithgrace4337]

Layton and Nikita Next dancing the Salsa. slowing the moves street dance style, I prefer Salsa a little bit quicker but I think it was nice to see Layton relaxing into the dance, last week was wild and party time this week it felt much softer and it was lovely to see Layton enjoying the dance rather than having to perform the dance. keep it up Layton, you're doing amazing and very much loved.

[@chellep7463]

I loved that it had a chilled and relaxed vibe to it. Sometimes that salsa can come across a bit frantic so this was a pleasant change.

[@SharonMoyo-m6v]

I like this pair.

[@wendyc3833]

That choreography, wow! I'd never heard of Layton before the show & thought he might be too full on for me but I love him! I also have such a soft spot for Nikita so this dancing duo is giving me all the feels. Xx

[@carolinemurty8884]

I love him and he’s a joy to watch. I don’t usually mind when there’s someone with clear dance experience as they rarely win but great to watch. The only time it bothered me was when Ashley Roberts did contemporary for couple’s choice since she’d studied it for years so it really wasn’t fair, apart from that 🎉

[@SussexSandra]

What I really liked about this dance was leyton managed to control his flamboyant side more and looked near enough like a professional dancer. And Nikita is just so controlled and very powerful with grace. We got to see the real professional in Nikita because he didn’t have to hold back. Really enjoyed this dance.

[@TigerPrawn_]

Nothing wrong with flamboyant: this is Strictly!

[@freyawilson3371]

Slayed the house boots down

[@scxrletswift]

Layton and Nikita- Week 5 🌟 Dance: Salsa Scores- Craig: 9 Motsi: 10 Shirley: 10 Anton: 10 Total: 39 1st/ 11 on the leaderboard Result: Safe

[@lisaludden8141]

Great performance 👏

[@TomRipley7350]

The same criticism comes up every year, that someone has had dance experience and their talent is minimised. This is natural talent. You can’t be taught this no matter how much “dance experience” you have. It’s also ballroom dancing, with techniques that have to be learned through which he can channel this talent, and he’s mastering them all perfectly. Someone like Krishnan couldn’t do this if he was going to salsa lessons for 20 years. There is no unfair advantage here. You either have it or you don’t.

[@amyk9813]

He really suits an afro tho

[@Hayswood34]

Love Leyton with this hair ❤

[@biancafdez2303]

I can Watch this for hours and hours. Can we get them both in the West End after strictly ?

[@avrilpeters]

Well I can tell you his experience of learning routines being a west end performer comes in clutch that dance was spicy

[@lornamiller1991]

Love it

[@marialucidemesquitaprestes4910]

Muito linda e sincronizada performance, traduzindo toda sensualidade desse ritmo latino-americano! Apreciando esse espetáculo no sul do Brasil. 🙌🏻👏🏻🤩🫰🏻🥰🫶🏻🙅🏼‍♀️🇪🇪💙🇨🇬🧉🇧🇷

[@xiberrasfrederic619]

Yes ! Yes !

[@klwl]

IMPECCABLE!!!

[@trayreipond5935]

There's your winner folks 🎉

[@BHarding10]

Another stunner of a routine 👏🏻... Any Salsa experts on the comments feed? I want to know if this is "Show Salsa" or "Traditional Salsa"? Absolutely loved the routine by a country mile as always though 🙌🏻!