{"id":36485,"date":"2023-09-05T11:51:49","date_gmt":"2023-09-05T09:51:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.radiotimes.com\/?p=1884218"},"modified":"2023-09-05T20:48:59","modified_gmt":"2023-09-05T18:48:59","slug":"strictlys-layton-williams-happy-with-pro-partner-as-fans-make-guesses","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/radiotimes\/rss_feed\/strictlys-layton-williams-happy-with-pro-partner-as-fans-make-guesses\/","title":{"rendered":"Strictly\u2019s Layton Williams \u201chappy\u201d with pro partner as fans make guesses"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"rssexcerpt\"> Just who is Williams paired up with? <\/p><p class=\"rssauthor\">By Morgan Cormack\n                \t\t<\/p><p class=\"rssbyline\">Published: Tuesday, 05 September 2023 at 09:51 AM<\/p><hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/><?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"UTF-8\" standalone=\"yes\"?>\n<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<html><body> <p>Fans of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.radiotimes.com\/tv\/entertainment\/strictly-come-dancing-2023-release-date\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Strictly Come Dancing<\/a> have continued to get their detective hats on this week after <a href=\"https:\/\/www.radiotimes.com\/tv\/entertainment\/layton-williams-strictly-come-dancing-2023-contestant\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Layton Williams<\/a>\u00a0revealed he\u2019s met up with his professional dancing partner.<\/p>\n<p>There\u2019s been much chatter as to who the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.radiotimes.com\/tv\/entertainment\/reality-tv\/strictly-come-dancing-2023-line-up-contestants\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">celebrity contestants<\/a> will be paired up with for the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.radiotimes.com\/tv\/entertainment\/strictly-come-dancing-2023-trailer-professionals-newsupdate\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">upcoming season<\/a> of the ever popular dance competition show, but it looks as though Williams in particular is over the moon with his partnership.<\/p>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.radiotimes.com\/tv\/comedy\/david-mitchell-bbc-comedy-bad-education-newsupdate\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Bad Education<\/a> star shared a video of himself on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@layton_williams\/video\/7274630112455167265?lang=en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">TikTok<\/a> looking nervous with text reading: \u201cMe, minutes before meeting my Strictly pro!\u201d<\/p> <p>While the video doesn\u2019t quite reveal anything about who Williams has been partnered up with, the caption of the video definitely shows that Williams is pleased as it reads: \u201cHappy to say, I\u2019M HAPPY!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Of course, fans have quickly started making guesses as to who Williams\u2019s partner could be with some of the most popular responses to the video suggesting it could be Vito Coppola or Johannes Radebe.<\/p>\n<p>While we don\u2019t know who Williams will be paired up with just yet, we do know that the West End actor previously stated that he will have a male partner.<\/p>\n<p>Sharing snippets of information on his Twitter, which has recently rebranded as X, Williams previously stated that\u00a0he will \u201c100% be paired up with a man\u201d.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">I&#8217;m 100% gonna be paired up with a man \ud83d\udd7a\ud83c\udffd\ud83d\udd7a\ud83c\udffd x <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/oUON4D5Ifs\">https:\/\/t.co\/oUON4D5Ifs<\/a><\/p>\u2014 Layton Williams (@LaytonWilliams) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/LaytonWilliams\/status\/1692609339477950908?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">August 18, 2023<\/a><\/blockquote><script async=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"\/>\n<p>Not only that but Williams is set to make Strictly history in a first for the show, as it\u2019s been reported that he will be wearing a dress. According to reports by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/tv\/tv-news\/groundbreaking-strictly-star-layton-williams-30742561\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">The Mirror<\/a>, Williams will be the first male contestant on the show to take to the dance floor in a dress, as well as suits.<\/p>\n<p>A spokesperson for Strictly declined to comment on the story when approached by\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/radiotimes.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">RadioTimes.com<\/a> at the time but they did say that \u201cwe want all contestants to be comfortable with what they wear on the ballroom floor\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>Although fans and contestants alike have been looking forward to the new season, Williams has had to defend himself before the show has begun airing to quell <a href=\"https:\/\/www.radiotimes.com\/tv\/entertainment\/layton-williams-strictly-come-dancing-criticism-response-newsupdate\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">criticism of his prior dance training<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Because of his performances in West End productions likes Billy Elliot and Everybody\u2019s Talking About Jamie, Strictly fans have questioned whether or not Williams\u2019s previous stage experience could give him an upper-hand in the show.<\/p>\n<p>Williams took to Twitter, <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/LaytonWilliams\/status\/1690279964824764416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1690279964824764416%7Ctwgr%5Ed8d1b85f1386e82997e591875d4d62c5d3677274%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.radiotimes.com%2Ftv%2Fentertainment%2Flayton-williams-strictly-come-dancing-criticism-response-newsupdate%2F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">writing<\/a>: \u201cLemme clear up this *fact* real quick. I had my 1st introduction to Ballroom &amp; Latin class in rehearsals yesterday (along with the rest of the @bbcstrictly cast) and it was so much fun xxx\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>Read more:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.radiotimes.com\/tv\/entertainment\/strictly-come-dancing-layton-williams-costume-dress-newsupdate\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Strictly\u2019s Layton Williams set to make history in a big first for the show<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.radiotimes.com\/tv\/entertainment\/strictly-come-dancing-shirley-ballas-criticism-newsupdate\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Shirley Ballas defends Strictly Come Dancing line-up following criticism<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>On his Strictly announcement, Williams said in a statement: \u201cAbsolutely buzzing to confirm that I will be taking part in THE most iconic dance competition in the UK! It\u2019s time to bring it to the Ballroom.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSo excited to learn new skills from the best. Bring on the sequins\u2026 ALL the sequins!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Williams joins a star-studded line-up that includes the likes of\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.radiotimes.com\/tv\/entertainment\/les-dennis-strictly-come-dancing-2023-contestant\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Les Dennis<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.radiotimes.com\/tv\/entertainment\/ellie-leach-strictly-come-dancing-2023-contestant\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ellie Leach<\/a>, as well as\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.radiotimes.com\/tv\/entertainment\/zara-mcdermott-strictly-come-dancing-2023-contestant\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Zara McDermott<\/a>, comedian\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.radiotimes.com\/tv\/entertainment\/eddie-kadi-strictly-come-dancing-2023-contestant\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Eddie Kadi<\/a>, newsreader\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.radiotimes.com\/tv\/entertainment\/angela-rippon-strictly-come-dancing-2023-contestant\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Angela Rippon<\/a>\u00a0and Paralympian cyclist\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.radiotimes.com\/tv\/entertainment\/jody-cundy-strictly-come-dancing-2023-contestant\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jody Cundy<\/a>\u00a0CBE, to name a few.<\/p> <div class=\"brightcove embed\"> <div class=\"embed__intrinsic\"> <div class=\"brightcove__player vjs-playlist-player-container\"> <video data-video-id=\"6336190877112\" data-account=\"69912529001\" data-player=\"ByeOf0VZEl\" data-embed=\"default\" data-application-id=\"\" controls=\"\" class=\"video-js\"> <\/video> <\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<script src=\"\/\/players.brightcove.net\/69912529001\/ByeOf0VZEl_default\/index.min.js\"\/> <p><strong>Strictly Come Dancing 2023 is coming soon to BBC One and iPlayer. Check out more of our\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.radiotimes.com\/tv\/entertainment\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Entertainment<\/a>\u00a0coverage or visit our\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.radiotimes.com\/tv\/tv-listings\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">TV Guide<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.radiotimes.com\/streaming-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Streaming Guide<\/a>\u00a0to find out what\u2019s on.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Try Radio Times magazine today and get 10 issues for only \u00a310, PLUS a \u00a310 John Lewis and Partners voucher delivered to your home \u2013\u00a0<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.radiotimes.com\/magazine-subscription\/?utm_term=evergreen-article\"><strong>subscribe now<\/strong><\/a><strong>. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to\u00a0<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.radiotimes.com\/audio\/podcasts\/\"><strong>The Radio Times Podcast<\/strong><\/a><strong>.<\/strong><\/p> <\/body><\/html>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p> Just who is Williams paired up with? <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":36486,"template":"","categories":[1,5],"acf":[],"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2023\/09\/strictlys-layton-williams-happy-with-pro-partner-as-fans-make-guesses.jpg",1620,1080,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2023\/09\/strictlys-layton-williams-happy-with-pro-partner-as-fans-make-guesses-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2023\/09\/strictlys-layton-williams-happy-with-pro-partner-as-fans-make-guesses-300x200.jpg",300,200,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2023\/09\/strictlys-layton-williams-happy-with-pro-partner-as-fans-make-guesses-768x512.jpg",768,512,true],"large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2023\/09\/strictlys-layton-williams-happy-with-pro-partner-as-fans-make-guesses-1024x683.jpg",800,534,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2023\/09\/strictlys-layton-williams-happy-with-pro-partner-as-fans-make-guesses-1536x1024.jpg",1536,1024,true],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2023\/09\/strictlys-layton-williams-happy-with-pro-partner-as-fans-make-guesses.jpg",1620,1080,false]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"importmanagerhub@sprylab.com","author_link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/radiotimes\/author\/importmanagerhubsprylab-com\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"Just who is Williams paired up with?","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/radiotimes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed\/36485"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/radiotimes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/radiotimes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/rss_feed"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/radiotimes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/24"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/radiotimes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/36486"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/radiotimes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=36485"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/radiotimes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=36485"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}