Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin Samba to Touch by Little Mix ✨ BBC Strictly 2023

[@meganpugh768]

I have never watched Strictly I have only watched it this year because of them. I remember seeing Layton on stage in Bristol for Everybody's Talking About Jamie. I have fallen in love with this duo ever since.

[@SilwanBusuttil]

i loved Layton and Nikita, all their dances were out of this world. also, has anyone noticed the emotion Layton showed every time he danced???????

[@carlosserrano2694]

It is an emotion that is contagious, you don't know how much I enjoy watching the videos even if it is online... what I would give to see them live...

[@lucianaborinato2993]

Strictly 2024 started last night, but I'm still watching all the Layton and Nikita dances! They are absolutely phenomenal! The best couple ever, and impossible to beat!! ❤❤❤

[@fluffy2807]

I feel like I have to watch each video three times: 1st time: watching Layton 2nd time: watching Nikita 3rd time: seeing how they are both so in tune with each other

[@rebelhenz]

So true what are beautiful comment, 4th time to see how amazing the connection and chemistry they have is.

[@jayak.6127]

😂😂. I will never get bored watching them.

[@carlosserrano2694]

An excellent couple, for me they were the first place and by far, without less appreciating the winners. But if this couple are off the charts

[@reyparks1076]

Omg!!! Perfection! First of all, Samba is one of my favorite latin dance!!! 2nd, amazing choreography! 3rd, fabulous samba roll (i know that Layton loves this) & lastly, they're just way TOO HOT dancing together!!! Bravo! Love from NY, USA!

[@belletaylor5535]

Wow! And Nikita is having SO MUCH FUN!

[@brianhiggins7630]

This guy and his partner are the only reason I'm watching strictly

[@tomhayes413]

Same they’re so good

[@lucianaborinato2993]

Same! And I keep re-watching all their dances! Love them! ❤

[@stephenmcconaghie8001]

There are prof dancers in the world not as good as Leyton Williams

[@InaMorrow]

Totally agree brilliant partnership 👏 👍

[@carlosserrano2694]

I can only settle for seeing it later since in Mexico I don't have that luck of seeing it live. They are an extraordinary couple

[@lisaR.3]

The choreography possibilities for Nikita are immense. Can’t wait to see more from Layton! I wonder if he will be able to contain his energy for ballroom numbers. He brought the house down - Boots! His couple’s choice will be incredible and I can’t wait to watch his journey!

[@mon_avis2978]

His third season Nikita gets a real contender. Very happy for him.

[@melissachallinor4410]

Re-watching your dances as I miss you already! ❤

[@soysaucegirl2007]

You should watch the intro tape as well. It is fascinating to see the relationship at this stage, which was definitely less friendly from Nikita. There are cultural and personality differences clearly on show.

[@louiseparkin600]

One year on from my favorite ever opening dance by any couple. Must of watched it tens of times since. Still iconic!

[@kerrykelly3767]

There will never be another dance partnership that could outdo Layton and Nikita. The best😊.

[@melissachallinor4410]

My favourites from the start of the series! They're amazing!❤

[@iamaloha2]

Their dancing is exciting and the costume is right on.

[@Ria-xl7kz]

BEAUTIFUL & VERY TASTEFUL. To me it's a 10/10.

[@_twizzles]

Layton is a firecraker!! & can we talk about how Nikita is living his best life lol

[@_Moonlit_]

How does Nikita get hotter each year! Omg he’s fine! 🔥

[@spiderwickian]

OH MY GOD!!!!! I AM OBSESSED WITH THEM, HOLY SHIT!!!!!! ABSOLUTELY FIRE! i can tell nikita was a great choice for a partnership, loved this!!!!!!

[@lucybutcher3205]

I am really enjoying your dances this year with Layton. Every week you create the most amazing dances. I think you're both are wonderful dancers. Totally Amazing to watch . I hope you win this years Strictly. ❤

[@michelejankelow617]

Strictly offer a permanent position to Leyton! He is exceptional and so impassioned! Every move, every step takes my breath away! Talent exceptional!

[@gerardsloan1593]

The first week was incredible. I really enjoyed that episode. I only got into strictly over the last few years, and it gets better every year. I have noticed patterns in the choice of participants every year (few little tweaks), it's one of the best episodic shows on TV and one of the few shows I watch. I love it. Have a good day reader

[@lindabiggs3905]

Google Gill halfpenny jive😆 enjoy

[@rokrxxx]

And in heel 👠 he knocked out of the park and nikita is living im loving it thta easy is a 8-9

[@Amber-uh1iy]

I absolutely loved this and I adore that Nikita isn't holding back at all with a male partner, but I wanna see them go even sexier, I know they've got it in them, they could set the room on fire if they went full sexy. I'm personally waiting for their rumba cause I know theyre not gonna disappoint. And I don't wanna hear the words dance experience ever again. Layton is one of the best bookings this show has ever made hands down.

[@essy1able]

In a new interview Layton and Nikita said that they can't wait to do a spicy Argentine Tango. So watch this space! 🔥

[@janey1133]

Totally agree with you Amber...I love this pairing and they are fire! 😍🔥🔥🔥

[@agwarddd]

Experience only helps so far. He’s not a ballroom dancer and never has been and has a lot to unlearn to BE a ballroom dancer. All it gives him is an ability to feel rhythm and express what he needs, but even the second is smth any actor on the show has the ability to do.

[@Ld-ol4ge]

This was fckn amazing

[@ravenclawrumba7096]

He is talented, very talented, Layton is going to fly through this competition 7/10

[@catherinemcintosh9550]

Wow, I love them and look forward all week for their next dance ❤

[@-longstoryshort-]

Score: *8/10* Wow wow wow! This is honestly one of the best dances of the night. Everything was great. Yes, there were at least 1 or 2 mistakes, but it is Week 1, so chill! I loved this so much. Great job, Layton and Nikita.

[@megsmarsden9388]

Well done Nikita and Layton that was amazing

[@bethwhelan8831]

Loved it especially how the beginning was a nod to little mix's music video for touch 😊

[@hennyhound]

Wow wow wow. Loved that. So much content.

[@its_bentley17]

This was my favourite dance of the night! The box splits into the samba rolls 👏 👏👏 omg

[@kiwigirljacks]

He felt a little chaotic for me lol but I think he was just so excited for it and exuberant. If he can pull back and little and have a bit more control, these two will be incredible!! Excellent start and can’t wait to see then continue.

[@maelife4247]

I used to do followspot at everybody’s taking about Jamie in London and Layton was always so nice to everyone backstage! This dance was amazing!! Should have been a 10!! This is like final level!!

[@daneshadaniels2051]

Amazing performance 👏 Choreography is amazing. Well Done Nikita 🎉🎉

[@creshaunh]

Score: *8* YOU BETTER GO OFF LAYTON!!! The fluidity that this dance had is why I gave them the 8. PLUS I GOT A SAMBA ROLL ON THE FIRST WEEK WOO-HOO!!! I did understand Craig when he said to tuck under during the rise and fall moments, but other than that, love the execution and the technique that it delivered from beginning to end. Well done Layton!!

[@emmybm15]

This is one of dances I will be replaying a lot this week ❤ Been a fan of Layton for years (Think nearly a decade actually 😅) so I'll be looking forward to the rest of the dances he gets to do ❤

[@MsSera21]

I was excited when these two were paired together because Nikita's choreo is always on point and Layton is good and will be able to handle it!

[@backwardmen8090]

They make it look effortless--the mark of true professionals. Bravo!

[@dianegarciaprieto2118]

Brilliant couple.❤❤💯👏

[@Mirrigold]

Absolutely adored this! If Layton can reign in his exuberance a bit and sort out his feet for Ballroom/Latin placement, he's going to be delivering some astonishingly good performances. This was a cracking Samba, full of heat and glorious hips!

[@ronfarkas]

0:03 oh so that's where Noa Kirel's set piece from Eurovision went lol. But in all seriousness, this was amazing. To get a samba in week 1 and still deliver is no easy feat!

[@jonahwilliams4966]

I thought the same thing after rewatching it

[@carolinemurty8884]

Oh my days! It’s is 😱 “you wanna see me dance?” 🤣

[@HazelOct]

I got to see Layton Williams play Angel in Rent! This dance is amazing!!

[@emmacox5868]

My favourite dance!! Absolutely smashed it!! Slayton came and he SLAYED!! Team Lakita all the way 🔥❤️❤️

[@mandigreen8756]

Lakita is my sons real name 😂

[@peterwilliamskelhorn6675]

​@@mandigreen8756it means Layton and Nikita's names together

[@swillie30]

Nikita is 🔥

[@paulszymanski1005]

AMAZING!!!

[@minifood9132]

Didn't get to see it live but what I have just seen ... bloody brilliant 👏

[@lillianchapman647]

Those two are really good together because it’s too man is dancing together that’s a really good songxx❤️❤️🥰

[@gabrielasz94]

This seems almost criminally underscored to me. I mean…WOW! I know that the bar is set very high for Layton, but a 7 just doesn’t seem right for a performance like this. Not to mention that the samba is notoriously difficult technically, and to do it on week one is a challenge, even for someone as talented and skilled as he is.

[@xxisabel11]

Completely agree ! I give it an 8 or a 9

[@kayspencer-x1u]

Me too, hope they win @@xxisabel11

[@thekid8224]

Facts, it looked like two pro dancers preforming. He literally spins like a pro dancer

[@naimaboukhouf7357]

Was surprised i think him ,Amanda and the girl with Carlos were surprised

[@taywithlove]

I suspect they marked him down low on the only thing they could which was his feet, he feet were turned in any dancer of his calibre should have perfect turn out. I am surprised he didn’t!

[@misszetec]

Hang on a second, that took me a hot minute to work out who was the professional! Layton already has incredible natural talent! Really looking forward to seeing more from them as the series goes on.

[@laalaa4303]

He is a generational talent for sure. Scholarship to Italia Conti, lead of three West End musicals since his stage career started as a child, currently touring Everyone is Talking about Jamie in Los Angeles. He is a pro dancer and this is his current active profession. Unfortunately I think that means he has no place in an ameture reality show. At least we can enjoy his talent for free every weekend instead of spending £££ on tickets to see him on stage

[@amyr8526]

@@laalaa4303”Previous dance experience,” three words that will stop contestants from lifting the glitter-ball trophy.

[@peterwilliamskelhorn6675]

​@@laalaa4303Nikita is teaching Layton ballroom and latin from scratch

[@telbel4979]

​@@laalaa4303Best comment!

[@franmatthewman253]

Absolutely smashed it! Gorgeous routine ❤❤

[@jordanodwyer6552]

These guys are perfect together!!!!!!!

[@lucyadams8354]

Incredible!! Anyone else been following Layton since School for Stars days haha?!

[@daisydelrey]

he is gorgeous and lovely to watch

[@Ben-zn9ow]

ugh this was FIERCE. this season is going to be so good!!

[@GuilhermeAgostinhodeSena]

PERFECT!

[@chalkiememe4183]

I can’t wait to see so much more of this fabulous dance partnership. Nikita is a fantastic choreographer and he will teach Leyton to reign in his energy and enthusiasm. He is used to the exaggerated West end theatrical performances so although he has dance experience, it’s very different and therefore, I feel it’s unfair to judge him low because he has dance experience in front of live audiences. So have many other celebs on the show past and present.

[@IvanIV05]

Well, it's a bit like a pop singer trying to sing an opera. They are lucky if they can hit the right notes (haha), but they still have a lot of work to do. As for performing in front of audiences, any of the actors who do theater have this experience, too. And I think everybody gets nervous to a certain degree before a premiere. They may not win it, because the public love their underdog, but anyway, I am looking forward to their other dances.

[@chalkiememe4183]

@@IvanIV05 yes I think you made my point more eloquently lol

[@peterwilliamskelhorn6675]

​@@chalkiememe4183well said but I'll still vote for them

[@soysaucegirl2007]

I have just re-watched the intro tape for this and the most extraordinary thing is that the bond they would later develop is entirely missing. There is nothing special about it at all - it was not instant friendship. Nikita is quite cold and strict, purely technical. I am trying to locate when the relationship dynamic switched up, because there is a detachment in the relationship here which is fascinating to watch.

[@missja3184]

Layton & Nikita are my number 1 🎉 and Ellie & Vito my number 2 🎉 and Bobby & Dianne my number 3 🎉 Despite everything, congratulations to Ellie & Vito. Layton & Nikita gave me the best there is every episode. I love them ❤❤

[@lagoonalust]

LOVE !!!

[@meredithgrace4337]

Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin Next. I think it is very clear which pair brought the party to Strictly, Layton is an amazing drama genius full of passion and flexibility and I am sure this pair will go far in the composition however no hip action from Layton no no no also I can see from the VT that Layton's energy is all over the place if he can harness his energy and channel it carefully into each dance in turn this Pair will be unstoppable, amazing first dance.

[@P.H.888]

Layton is a professional dancer! Well done bbc 👏🏼👏🏽👏🏿

[@lukec2153]

Absolutely love Lakita. Brilliant samba by Layton a very difficult, challenging dance technically for anyone to even remotely get right. It was very good definitely things to work on but I love the these two guys. The chemistry & connection already between Layton & Nikita is beautiful, gorgeous IMO 😊❤ this samba was hot, hot, hot! 🔥🔥🔥

[@NikitaD333]

The Beautiful People brought me here. 👏😍💙💛💚

[@elliottbradley6302]

"""""Owned it !!!!👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼❤️😉✨✨✨.....what attack on the choreography.....

[@marriedtomowgli]

Fierce!!!! 🔥 absolutely smashed it. So obsessed with this couple!!! Adore them. Unreal. 9

[@kayspencer-x1u]

So am i , cant stop watching it

[@lindenihedebe8108]

Loved it

[@pennyandfishy7241]

Score - *9/10* Maybe abit generous for week 1 but i was completely mesmorised with this. Layton's side by side work was expectional he pretty much outdanecd Nikita, it was like watching a professional on the stairs, the Samba rolls into the splits was such a slay moment and there was sass and glam beaming from head to toe all over thw performance. I loved his extensions and isolation, the energy was absolutely incredible and what a top confident performance. Honestly im so happy for Nikita, he deserves someone as talented as Layton! This is going somewhere 👏🏼

[@moniquedenouden9289]

This pairing was such a JOY to watch!

[@bessieburnet9816]

That was so darn good!! Layton smashed it! So much rhythm. He even outdanced Nikita in some places here. I expect great things going forward!

[@lauravision2791]

Eurovision fans will recognise the box at the start 😉

[@susanashcroft2674]

Getting their moneys worth out of it I guess. 😃

[@emmybm15]

Yep I was like "Hang on I know that box!" 😂

[@emmybm15]

Oh gosh just realised who I was replying to! Hello Laura!!! ❤ Love your videos ❤

[@lauravision2791]

@@emmybm15Awww hello!! Thank you!

[@alittlechese2567]

WAIT WAIT WAIT ITS THE SAME BOX AS UNICORN??? I thought it looked similar!

[@SiasCreations]

While it was great to see how flexible Layton is and some of those moves were 🔥 I felt like some of the actual samba moves were a bit rigid and he amped up the performance to make up for those moments. I think as he develops his technique and channels his energy in the slower dances, we could see really exciting things from him!

[@BasicYTHandle]

Thank you for saying what I was feeling. While the dance was certainly very good, there was just something "off" and your comments are on point.

[@janey1133]

Oh my goodness...Slayton came to CONQUER and maybe even lift the Glitter Ball! Incredible dance! 🥰🥰🥰

[@kayspencer-x1u]

100% MY WINNERS !!! AWESOME

[@eddiebaby22]

I agree he could have got this, depending on how tough the judges are with him.

[@kayspencer-x1u]

@@eddiebaby22 hope he does, wasnt happy that John whaite lost 2 years ago , he was robbed! Got to get same sex win and ignore the homophobes in the pubic

[@eddiebaby22]

@@kayspencer-x1u homophobia doesn't bother me. John and Johannes were great but we all knew that Rose had that. I didn't think it was sexist at all, Rose pulled off some stunning art work in all fairness, I think I agreed there with what happened, they were worthy of a win. Maybe even just a touch more than the two men. I think it's going to be a very tough year this year. After reflecting on them all this year I think the same sex couple has a very strong chance as he is an amazing dancer (first impression), but theres extremely strong competition that I think are going to fight/work hard 😊 may the best partnership win I say 🥇🎊🌟💖

[@kayspencer-x1u]

@@eddiebaby22 I think they will love him , esp Craig

[@eddiebaby22]

@@kayspencer-x1u I love Craig! The show wouldn't be as good if it wasn't for him!

[@debrabrennan1784]

Layton is fab xx

[@valeriemugridge5347]

I love Layton - I saw him in the front row of 'Everybody's Talking about Jamie' and I was blown away. But now I feel he needs to show his more lovable/vulnerable side, to get the following he needs to win.

[@LovedByYou]

Nikita is just INCREDIBLE. I FIND myself looking at him, just as much. He was Living his best life right alongside Layton, in that samba. But I can’t wait for this couple to show variety, and I know Nikita is going to KILL the choreography ❤❤🎉

[@peterwilliamskelhorn6675]

@LovedByYou over the past 3 weeks as a gay man I've realized I'm sexually attracted to Nikita

[@Nick_Charliespr1ng]

@@peterwilliamskelhorn6675😂😂😂 I love him so much

[@peterwilliamskelhorn6675]

@@Nick_Charliespr1ng your not the only one

[@keomotsepe8305]

Phenomenal

[@carlosserrano2694]

Please, BBC broadcast this show on TV in Mexico in some way, dancers who make us move as this couple appreciates each other...

[@dajtoad1]

Incredible first number, but I’m not surprised at him being a natural at Latin. Next week will be the test with a ballroom number. Still, am loving this pairing.

[@amaliefalck4966]

WE Have a Winner 😂😀✌🏻💜💜⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Wonderful

[@janetrhule7382]

I'm sure Layton improvised with some of his own moves there as I'm sure Nikita was telling him to focus 🤔 Also judge's said about him listening to Nikita. I loved the extraness, of the dance 😂#Layton and Nikita ❤

[@scxrletswift]

Layton and Nikita - Week 1 🌟 Dance: Samba Scores: Craig: 7 Motsi: 8 Shirley: 7 Anton: 7 Total: 29 Joint 2nd/15

[@streamingnever4493]

The chemistry!!!!

[@annettealexander3673]

Omg that was week 1 amazing

[@StockportTurners]

It's giving

[@dereklogan2962]

I hope they win

[@adaline825]

I think he is natural

[@malek8156]

Those spins 😧😮🔥

[@alicep1465]

WOW 🔥 Incredible performance 👏 As much as I LOVE Nikita, I just couldn't take my eyes off Layton! Pure talent ❤🥳

[@tomhayes413]

This will always be iconic

[@hbsailorettegeek107]

SLAY 🎉

[@Ria-xl7kz]

💗💗💗💗💗💗💖💖💖💖💖💖

[@rty1995]

Lyndon and Nikita is the best example in equality and diversity . It makes a history in Strictly come dancing.

[@lilgeorge34]

These two should have won.

[@IvanIV05]

One of two dances I loved the most on yesterday's show, the other being Bobby and Diane. Samba rolls can look awkward on a celebrity, but this looked very natural, like he's been doing them all his life. And Nikita apparently enjoys this partnership a lot. He got somebody he can push without a fear of breaking them, haha. Can't wait what they show us the next week.

[@abidashah4943]

Lov u just lov it lov it and lov it more ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@annaverity105]

Is that the same prop used for Eurovision?🦄

[@tonebalone73]

Layton is just on 🔥🔥🔥 What a sassy performance. Hot couple

[@YvonneDeboer-g8v]

Nikita is a fantastic dancer

[@essy1able]

Best dance of the night for sure!! I love their chemistry and energy together. I'm team Lakita all the way!! 😍🔥

[@rosepetal34]

💖

[@imafa9ry]

Owned it