Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin Showdance to Friend Like Me by Ne-Yo ✨ BBC Strictly 2023

[@snufkinhollow318]

I think this is one of my all-time favourite showdances, not just because of the extraordinary content and choreography but because of the sheer joy that Layton and Nikita obviously took in performing it. I would definitely go to see a show focused on these two dancing. I never really care who wins as long as there has been great dancing, memorable moments and joy in the series, and these two have brought all of them to the party in abundance - despite having to deal with the opinions of those who I'm not going to elaborate on further because they don't deserve the oxygen of acknowledgement. Thank you Layton and Nikita.

[@Ackee2711]

Well said!

[@gloriajenkins1569]

I absolutely agree with you 100%. Well said!

[@mumsy7924]

Absolutely ❤

[@markmcdonnell545]

Thank you Layton and Nikita for all the wonderful dances , you made this season so special

[@roulapanayi7276]

I'll miss watching layton and nikita every Saturday

[@moondance8670]

Absolutely agree!!

[@wehttam8265]

Layton and Nikita were so special because this was a true dance PARTNERSHIP. They complimented each other and brought out the best in each other. They were able to truly dance, perform and emote together and sell every single routine as two people moving together as one. We have never, and likely will never again, see such a well rounded and well matched pairing in Strictly history.

[@emilybemily4397]

Born to dance together, these two, in my opinion. Terrific!

[@kierah]

that little bit of vogueing at 1:26, it was so much. loved this choreo letting layton shine but also showing their wonderful friendship so well ❤

[@Ackee2711]

These two are beyond extraordinary. I have no words. It was brilliant!! They never disappoint. I only watched them and each and every time I was completely captivated, and I don't watch dance shows.

[@patriciabeckett5263]

Fab fab fabulous ❤ Layton can be very proud of his performance with Nikita a joy to watch😊

[@mrharry448]

How Nikita committed and created, dancing with Ellie last year and how he has showcased Layton this year makes him my strictly winner. Extraordinary partnering.

[@emavissobers374]

Nikita is a beautiful dancer, it was because he was dancing with Layton who is a professional dancer why the public saw this so he didn't get tip votes because of this. Layton was also brilliant dancing with Nikita, shame he is a professional dancer in the West End. It was lovely to watch the both of them dancing together. I voted for Ellie from Week 1 as an ex dancer I saw something in her in week 1 and she only got better and I'm glad that what I first saw in her paid off for her to win Strictly

[@violetcarlile6705]

These two should have their own show …incredible dancing mesmerising to watch …I’m not alone in saying I’d pay to see them …

[@ireneanunda5957]

@@emavissobers374as an ex dancer you should have recognised that Ellie had had some dance training. I saw that fro week 1. I liked them both but I didn’t like that she was portrayed as a novice and Layton was trolled

[@karyne826]

@@violetcarlile6705Absolutely. Hopefully one of the channels will give them the opportunity. Strictly Mark 11. I’d tune in for sure.

[@karyne826]

Doubtful it will ever be bettered.

[@Toastytoes-vx2cn]

Take a bow Layton Willims and Nikita Kuzmin two lovely humans who have brought pure joy into our living rooms every Saturday night with your incredible dance routines. Your friendship and affection for each other is truly heartwarming.Continue to shine brightly in whatever you do. Bravo and thank you

[@MarkyBoy36]

I have watched Layton and Nikita's progress from the USA as a fan of DWTS. I am shocked and upset that they did not win. The showdance of the other winning team was NOTHING compared to this team. I will say this: thank you Layton and Nikita for all the lovely dances, entertainment, and moments you gave during the season. It was very lovely and appreciated! I don't know what I'm going to watch on YT now!! LOL!

[@margarettucker4700]

Layton and Nikita have definitely put Strictly Come Dancing on to another level, you both have mesmerised me with your dancing since week 1 the winners in my eyes, can we have a Layton and Nikita show please

[@melissachallinor4410]

I really love their showdance - they dance so well together and I love Nikita's choreography. Amazing Layton and Nikita!❤❤

[@laine.62]

I literally cannot take my eyes off Layton. He is magical❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@CharmaineVeitch-b9w]

Incredible partnership, dancing and entertainment. Can't stop watching all your dances. Thank you thank you thank you. Love you love you love you!!!! Layton, you are outstanding ... as a dancer, entertainer and person.

[@slatermontesdeoca1350]

Watching Nikita dance is amazingggg, thank you guys for such an artistic season!!!!

[@madperson876]

Nikita has probably become my favourite pro dancer. I love watching him dance because you can just see how much he loves it every time he dances!

[@claudia2757]

Layton, you are created for the stage! This Strictly will be remembered because of you. Nikita is also very handsome, talented and sweet friend for you. ❤️

[@abookishperson]

Layton looked like the pro here. Well done! this partnership has been wonderful, they give us a PERFORMANCE every week and I will for sure miss seeing them on the dance floor. the friendship that they formed is so evident and beautiful 🙌🫶

[@ronaldsmith2013]

Layton is a dancer

[@oiooi6460]

He is a pro

[@ColaDiva]

​@oiooi6460 so what?

[@Emma-wm9jg]

​@@ronaldsmith2013Ronald the shows over do you not have anything better to do or are we going to see you in this comment section in a year still needlessly typing away about a man you've never met? 🙄

[@Emma-wm9jg]

​@@oiooi6460😂this is unbelievable people are still going with this

[@reyparks1076]

Love Layton and Nikita!!! I know you both are more deserving! Layton, you are already a STAR! Nikita, you never cease to impress me with your choreography! You both shine on that dance floor! Love from NY, USA

[@alicep1465]

Layton and Nikita you were always my winners ❤ Love you so much ❤

[@Arisu_29]

The best dancer ever on strictly. He doesn’t need a trophy for people to know that.

[@ColaDiva]

No. He was never going to win. Just happy he got to do all the dances and we get to watch them all again here. Just so sad he had to endure all those hateful comments and couldn't enjoy his experience the way everyone else gets to - he wasn't even the only one this year with WE experience let alone other dance training.

[@trudyhendricks1005]

Ab-so-lute-ly!!!

[@juliascott1407]

Just so amazing!! Thank you Layton and Nikita for such wonderful, wonderful performances this year!! You've been amazing and you might not have picked up the glitter ball but you picked up alot of hearts and minds along the way! xx

[@sianbennett-rodgers]

Clear narrative, story telling, a true partnership. Considered choreo. Top notch on every level. It wasn't try too hard to impress it was just them having fun and playing to Layton's strengths

[@janetrhule7382]

You could see that Layton and Nikita knew they weren't going to win from all the negative bs so they decided to dance for themselves, their true fans and Layton's family. I've thoroughly enjoyed watching all of their dances and wish them well for the future.

[@susannepowell8914]

They should have won Strictly 😢

[@MaryFord-f4d]

They were amazing.I couldn't wait to see them every week .Outstanding they were just the best.Bless them.❤❤

[@destyneefloyd6804]

besides the tango and quickstep this definitely one of my favorite dances they’ve done

[@kingtrebor7215]

My favourite partnership that has ever been in the show and I think ever will be. Spellbinding ❤

[@sharronhorsey6168]

Absolutely, This is hands down my favourite performance. This performance with many others was a winner performance!

[@briansmith8490]

Why , what's wrong with you?

[@Emma-wm9jg]

​@@briansmith8490well considering it scored a 39 and thousands of people thought the same I think there's something wrong with you haha

[@leahi5856]

layton and nikita have been pure magic all season and this showdance is without a doubt one of the best that i have ever seen on strictly! it’s just pure joy and celebration and it sums them up so perfectly. they may not have won but they’re leaving with the most beautiful friendship and i am just so proud of them.

[@gillianp1]

Forever my winners 🌟🌟🫶🏼 Duo tour needed Love you two so much

[@shailu8614]

I would pay to watch them dance

[@AJC-zy7eb]

Amen to all of that!

[@dt9387]

Never seen a Strictly show dance like this before. Wow! So special. Love both these dancers. My winners this year (hands down). Holding my breath for their own show in the West End...

[@lucianaborinato2993]

The real winners, right here!! You're absolutely amazing Layton, and together with Nikita, you've delivered magic, every single week! ❤❤❤

[@Liamxroberts]

@dagalaxy2694 Not with this performance? As if Ellie nearly tumbling out of the end lift was worthy of winning.

[@Liamxroberts]

@dagalaxy2694 Who’s “they”? Nikita was the only one who messed up but he still got the hat on in time. Layton was perfect. Ellie’s was too many lifts for me, I want to see real dancing.

[@rachcl7447]

Oh it's just fabulous ❤❤❤❤❤❤ pure showbiz, the JOY!!! Bravo lads, you beautiful pair, congrats on a wonderful season and partnership xxx

[@briansmith8490]

I know just what you mean....... freakishly bad .👍

[@Angie-iq1xq]

Layton and Nikita, thank you for the joy you brought to my Saturday nights and the fantastic dance routines. I also loved watching your friendship grow. Representation is everything and you did 💯. You both shined and will continue to shine. Nikita, I loved the way you looked after and was very protective towards Layton with the hate and negativity that came his way, and letting him be his authentic self with your choreography. Amazing partnership, you're my winners hand down. See you on the tour, just got my ticket. ❤❤❤❤

[@serenaeveleigh4825]

What a pairing!! I knew they had something special from day 1!! Ive watched their friendship grow and its stronger than ever. This dance was just about them two, to show each other of and how pleased they are of finding each other!!! Layton might not of won, but he came way with Nikita who will be in his life forever!! They are bros now!!! plus im glad they are working together doing projects. Their love for one another shows through their dancing. Love them both ❤️😍😍❤️

[@pameladavenport1647]

Pure joy watching him dance!!

[@Ledsham]

Robbed is an understatement! Clearly the best contestant strictly ever had...This is what happens when you let the final decision be decided by the UK public..😂 Layton & Nikita, you are and will always be FABULOUS ❤❤

[@Liamxroberts]

@dagalaxy2694 If this was underwhelming then the other 2 were mediocre at best.

[@ronaldsmith2013]

Robbed no. The public already knew that Layton is a dancer took dance lessons. Unfair on the others.

[@peterwilliamskelhorn6675]

​@@ronaldsmith2013I'm one of the people who voted for Layton. But If he won people would think it was "fixed" so you can't win

[@asjchy123]

They became famous Internationally.. Love from India ❤

[@AlisterFlaandorp]

My favorite dancers. All the way from Cape Town, South Africa

[@pennyandfishy7241]

Score - *10/10* I think Friend Like Me sums it up completely, personally my favourite Showdance of all 3, pure class and I expected nothign less, brilliant to see so many different styles, jazz, vogue, contemporary, American smooth, tap and Charleston all in a beautiful flow with such strong musicality and wow factor added with some gymnastics too, it was absolutely knockout it had everything I love in it. This just summed up their partnership beautifully and secured even more reason of why they are my winners 🥺 absolutely phenomenal pure Layton & Nikita all in one it was absolutely pure Hollywood and magic just fabulous, everything I was wanting from these stars ⭐

[@jerushadaniels3115]

Well done Layton🎉. Love the choreography Nikita💫

[@cheekytyke]

I’m 51 and this GORGEOUS young man has awakened my inner fem. It was there in the 70’s but I kept it quiet. There was this secret beauty fem I kept quiet

[@dionnebennett5455]

You really need to be your whole self now. Life is short. Do you!

[@thekid8224]

And you my friend are a prime example of why layton didn't win. It had nothing to do with his dance experience and everything to do with him being gay, effeminate and most of all dancing with nikita got all the homophobic women real jealous. What they want is for men like you to stay silent and not to be yourself

[@cheekytyke]

@@dionnebennett5455 thank you darling xx

[@mellybeetaylor8177]

So charmed by this! It's sort of like a love letter to each other!! So fun to watch. This is my favourite by Lakita!! 10/10.

[@brennaw51]

My babies I wanted them to win so bad😭 But at the end of the day a trophy is just a shiny rock, the hearts they won along the way are much more valuable. You can tell they gave everything they had to this. Nikita looked so jittery actually, two mistakes with the hat! I think he really wanted to perform well for Layton. That Argentine Tango ending killed me, when they first did it they held the poses so intensely but this one Nikita breaks instantly and goes for a hug. Congratulations boys, you made magic happen. I cannot wait for the tour shenanigans!!❤

[@tomcarew7926]

Thank you both for your magic. A world-class remarkable dance partnership which will shine forever on youtube. Bravo! 💞🌟

[@soysaucegirl2007]

How am I going to get myself out of the habit of coming to KZbin to repeatedly watch the new routines by these two? I've become addicted to Layton and Nikita, and the withdrawal symptoms will hit me hard. Can't imagine what it's like for them to disband their partnership.

[@Ackee2711]

Right. My thoughts exactly!

[@mrssonging]

Same here. Haven't watched Strictly in years and years but have been completely hooked with these two. Quality, quality boundary redefining entertainment. I've loved it and guess I'll be back to side-stepping Strictly again next year.

[@ColaDiva]

​@mrssonging me too. I've been so bored by the mediocrity of Strictly in recent years but this pairing was irresistible and compelling in so many ways. They're like dance soulmates.

[@Ackee2711]

@ColaDiva Right. What are we supposed to do now that the competition is over. I'm going through serious 😪 withdrawal.

[@rebelhenz]

@@Ackee2711 Same I’m slowly getting over it though, their doing their stuff together, so buy tickets and the strictly tour.

[@onewheelatatime2905]

This was everything I was hoping for. Absolutely fantastic.

[@michelleburgess9200]

Would have been not so exciting without these two, let's be very honest ❤

[@dianegarciaprieto2118]

Brilliant, Layton and Nikita 💯👏❤❤ Definitely brought the X factor Robbed,every dance was incredible.🥰 🎉

[@asjchy123]

The actual winners of Strictly!

[@BoomerForever]

or not 😂

[@starlove8044]

💯 🎯 🥇🥂 loved them Xxxx

[@aideencooney1685]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@eddiebaby22]

If it was a real dance contest yes! But to be fair, they were all worthy! Wow, what a final!

[@starlove8044]

​@@eddiebaby22 Exactly. What a great season this was with so many great moments from all of them 🏆🏅🥂🥳

[@DazBradyLM]

A spellbinding Showdance that really was utterly captivating and a true pleasure to watch. Well done to you both👏👏👏👏👏

[@Ria-xl7kz]

There was negative BS??!!! TELL ME WHO. I'm coming after them!!! They are pure talent!!! Why would anyone tear them down??! In my books, they are the real winners! Look at those moves, camaraderie, classy perfection! 😘😘😘

[@michelejankelow617]

Absolutely exceptional! Truly unbelievable!

[@gillianlaing1073]

They were the best dancers!!!

[@dianegarciaprieto2118]

Brilliant 💯👏♥️♥️Loved it, they really suited this dance

[@kycsum1997]

Trophy worthy performance 🎉🎉🎉👍👍👍👏👏👏👏❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@gaynorwalker9224]

that show dance was brilliant, you should have won you were the best

[@michellehamer6650]

Nobody will ever be as good as ‘Layton ‘ on Strictly 😊

[@gordUK]

My winners. Absolutely outstanding.

[@katethawley4356]

There will never be another pair like them

[@heidiblades4811]

This was outstanding!!!!!! Definitely a 10 from me!

[@lindapark7181]

This partnership has been absolutely magical and provided so much joy every week. Nothing to touch it. I doubt Strictly will ever top this. Thank you to both of you for the entertainment.

[@traceybradbury5022]

Loved watching Layton dance 🎉

[@elainebyrne1039]

Watching from New Zealand; every week I waited to see Nikita and Layton's dances. The finals dances were amazing; I'm not even going to watch Ellie and Vito knowing they won.

[@aideencooney1685]

Well you’ll be missing out.

[@vanessaevans7358]

Agree. Ellie and Vita were fantastic!

[@salutiesse]

Marvellous! Layton and Nikita are a beautiful winning partnership for sure. Our boys did it! And they needed the entire season on the AT

[@mochi.sweetz231]

I was so focused in the dance i didn't even notice Nikita dropped the hat at the end but picked it up💀

[@CuriosityRocks]

Amazing!! They should have won 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@dianegarciaprieto2118]

Can't stop watching them❤❤💯👏

[@slatermontesdeoca1350]

Fantastic

[@zxaddictxz]

Ultimate aesthetic bliss! I wouldn't be surprised if this dance was choreographed by Layton. Kudos to Nikita for showcasing his celebrity partner's amazing talent and extraordinary versatility. They are winners in my book.

[@kiwigirljacks]

An absolute star 🌟 We always knew he wouldn’t win… we all know the reasons why, let’s not pretend otherwise (I’m not going to argue with folks in the comments)… but he is a huge talent and I hope his career takes off after this. Definitely one of, if not THE, best dancer Strictly has ever had 🎉🎉

[@rebelhenz]

I’m came say I 💯 agree no argument here. His a superstar I see Hollywood calling, and this beautiful partnership forming great things together.

[@mrsspanner14]

More than the best dancer; the best partnership I’ve ever seen on Strictly. They lifted each other to greatness. They let each other shine, and they shone together. Absolutely love these two - they were robbed.

[@kiwigirljacks]

@@mrsspanner14 Agree! It was magic seeing Nikita shine in this partnership also!

[@juliethompson5301]

Square head and sweaty were set up to win .who.cares these beautiful boys are my winners ❤❤❤

[@sinceslicedbread7422]

​@@juliethompson5301There's no need for insults. Just gracefully accept, another partnership won.

[@Fes745]

Layton was the best 🎉

[@the5thjudge]

our scores: me: 10 diya: 10 kelsey: 10 owen: 10 40/40 definitely the dance of the night to me. this was a SHOWSTOPPER, its everything i want in a showdance and more. i’m so proud of these two.

[@elliottbradley6302]

""""No words.....✨✨👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼💪🏼💖💪🏽✨✨✨Just ♥️!!!!!!!""

[@louisefarrar6037]

I love how they both showcased each other throughout the series. Layton’s ability let Nikita push himself to create intoxicating, creative and daring routines that never failed to enthral the audience. Meanwhile, you could see in the final that Layton was no longer doing his own thing when dancing with Nikita, but perfectly in sync on tone, character and style. He is a stronger performer because of Nikita!

[@sinceslicedbread7422]

Yes, I agree, Layton did become a better dancer, due to Nikita. Less frenetic, more focused.

[@ColaDiva]

Completely agree. He'd only ever danced as a soloist before and grew and developed so much through the competition. This was the journey the wider audience missed and, frankly, it's their loss. These two were captivating all series as they both grew. It's been amazing and joyful. A privilege to watch.

[@tebogomphahlele25]

Layton won the glitterball from day 1.

[@Simplychipci]

I don't care if they were ‘out of synch’ (which I still refuse to believe) or that Nikita dropped the hat at the end, this dance was absolute PERFECTION❤❤

[@eddiebaby22]

He caught it on the bounce though, that in itself is amazing!

[@Simplychipci]

@@eddiebaby22 yeah

[@oiooi6460]

Except they were slightly out of sync for much of it

[@The.brigadier]

Not good enough to win End of.

[@missja3184]

WOW WOW WOW this is once again a show dance that I will never forget! 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 ❤❤

[@SharonMoyo-m6v]

❤❤❤ these guys deserve the award

[@salutiesse]

Hh tbh Nikita dropping the hat worked- emphasised the charisma in their relationship- loved that it was right at the end

[@Emma-wm9jg]

Before you comment anything negative remember that the show is over and you have an opportunity to show the world that you have better things to do with your life then whine about a stranger on a fun dance show ❤

[@reid69uk]

And this performance here is the strongest most compelling reason why he had no no no chance of winning....tooooo good, magnificent dance! But I'm glad Ellie won in the end ❤

[@ColaDiva]

In the context of Strictly, I agree. But as an opportunity to see an incredible talent like this dance on an early evening mainstream TV channel in the UK, Layton reaching the final and dancing as many times as possible was the win.

[@pakora81]

This was the best showdance in years, and they were absolutely robbed.

[@ronaldsmith2013]

Robbed how cone Layton is a dancer. NOT an actor or sportsperson he is a dancer.

[@denisecripps1151]

@@ronaldsmith2013 Matter of opinion.

[@breakaleg8471]

Can you be robbed of something you never had. I don't think it was the best, but it depends what you rate the performance on

[@0R1B3ANS]

@@ronaldsmith2013yes he is a dancer but not in ballroom/latin/etc

[@dionnebennett5455]

Layton IS an actor. Most people know him for his acting.

[@catspyjamas9959]

If they were performing at the West End I'd be there 😊

[@AndersBu]

Tank you for all your great dances ❤

[@annsheil5717]

My winners 🎉🎉 truly amazing, a JOY to watch all season

[@banglabird1]

brilliant dancing and the choreography was amazing fantastic

[@geniushisfriends1260]

The best dance of the night loved it

[@LesleyThacker]

Wow,just wow. Always been the winners for me .

[@exthxr_04x21]

Literally where did they go out of sync I can’t believe Craig didn’t give this a ten that’s outrageous

[@DimhatAhmed]

Layton catches his hat but Nikita didn’t 😅

[@GizmoHaruhi]

@@DimhatAhmedIt doesn’t count on the Pro, only on the contestant

[@Liamxroberts]

@@DimhatAhmed Nikita isnt the celeb, Layton is

[@ronaldsmith2013]

Layton is a dance he has taken dance lessons.@@Liamxroberts

[@ericamacs3875]

@@DimhatAhmed that doesn't count. Pros have made mistakes before, and it's ignored. I can't work it out either, they're in sync the whole time.

[@kimconnors2798]

Layton was ROBBED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Somedaysx]

You should have voted then

[@BasicYTHandle]

@@Somedaysx I'm in the United States, just saw this posted from 31 minutes ago - so COULDN'T have voted. But, if I could have voted, I most certainly would have done so, with all of my votes for Layton (& Nikita).

[@Liamxroberts]

@@Somedaysx How do you know they didn’t?

[@reddragonready]

No he wasn't. He shouldn't have been there as a pro and the public has spoken..the best non pro dancer rightfully won this. Hope the BBC learned their lesson and don't bring in another ringer next season.

[@renegaderhombus9294]

He really wasn't, he has had prior dance training even going to do a workshop at a dance school I used to go to and Ellie and Vito deserved so much more than what they got. Layton and Nikita danced amazingly and so did Bobby and Diane, but the rest of the public clearly disagree with you

[@nikolafrackowiak3840]

Real winners!

[@jackiemreekie4637]

Can't believe he never won!!?? 😢🎉❤

[@natashaing4999]

An amazing partnership ❤ amazing routine, my winners 🏆💖

[@zdenekhorvath873]

they should get Emmy Awards for this dance.

[@heidibarrett1956]

WOWZA!!!! That's Entertainment SIZZLE!!!!

[@roter13]

Nikita will never have a better partner.

[@rebelhenz]

He's genuinely fortunate to have someone as gifted as Layton. I'm certain he deeply appreciates and adores him; the emotions are still so fresh. It's just the beginning. I wished to extend a hug to both of them-a truly irreplaceable partnership. Layton is undeniably a one-of-a-kind gift. 🎁 😢

[@katethawley4356]

They are my winners ❤

[@ErnieCG]

Perfection

[@daneshadaniels2051]

Amazing performance 👏

[@LucyDavids]

Robbed you are fantastic well done

[@dianewilson8817]

He was soo far the best dancer he should have won xxx

[@dianegarciaprieto2118]

Amazing 💯

[@lesleyclarke2821]

Layton should have won. The scoring in the final should be the same as the rest of the competition ie half prof judges scores, half public vote. After all it is supposed to be a DANCE competition NOT who has the most fans competition. The judges scores reflected the true winner. Layton was top of the leader board. This reminds me of the year Danny Mac (who was also the best dancer) did not win.

[@faegibb4043]

​@dagalaxy2694 ridiculous. It was the best showdance by a mile