Layton Williams of Strictly Come Dancing has been ‘depleted’ by troll attacks.
The actor, 29, is one of the favourites to win this year’s series with professional dance partner Nikita Kuzmin, after their Charleston received a flawless score from the judges on Saturday night.
However, the Bad Education star’s journey has not been simple, as he has been targeted by trolls on several occasions.
On Sunday, before of the Strictly results show, which will see another pair removed, Layton reacted to a fan who complained about the ‘hate’ and ‘bullying’ he experiences as a result of his participation in the show.
‘The poor guy sees all these comments everyone tags him in – how is that supposed to make him feel?,’ Twitter user Robin wrote on the site, adding ‘you should all be ashamed of yourselfs … What ever happened to be KIND (sic)?’
Layton himself shared the post, thanking Robin for their words, and said while he has ‘thick skin’ it is ‘so draining that so called “Strictly fans” go out of their way to drag me down to lift others up.’
He went on: ‘Their fave couples would be SO embarrassed by their comments & so should they.
‘They’ll never dim my shine. Big love.’
Layton was showered with support from fans in the comments, including Robin who said: ‘Remember you are a STAR and an inspiration to so many – including my self.’
Twitter – aka X – user Leah added: ‘You’re incredibly talented. I appreciate your hard work each week to entertain us. Keep doing you, boo.’
‘‘Yes babe keep shining, you are a star,’ user Honey added. ‘you are amazing, pls never forget that. love you a lot (sic).
While Layton was being harassed by trolls, he had a wonderful contact with his grandma in Jamaica.
He revealed he had called his nan, who had ‘managed to watch some of Strictly at a friend’s house on the computer.’
‘She didn’t know I was dancing with a man but said she loved it and doesn’t care so long as I’m happy🫶🏾🥹.’
It’s not the first time Layton Haas has had to deal with online trolls accusing him of having a ‘unfair edge’ owing to his dancing expertise, notably in Everybody’s Talking About Jamie.
In October, he shared a smiling snap of himself and urged trolls to be kind, writing: ‘Instead of coming at me with hateful comments, use your energy to shower your fave celeb with love instead. Pretty sure it will make us all feel much better!’
Strictly Come Dancing airs Sunday at 7.20pm on BBC One.
