West End star Layton Williams, who recently clinched the runner-up position in the Strictly final, has spoken out against online trolls who targeted him with vicious abuse. Williams, 29, took to social media to address the hate he received throughout his time on the show, sharing a gif of Gordon Ramsay along with a message calling out the trolls for hiding behind their screens. Despite the abuse, Williams received overwhelming support from fans who encouraged him to rise above the hate and continue shining. The incident has sparked discussions about the show's recruitment policy and the unfair advantage some believe trained dancers have.
Layton Williams Hits Back at 'Cowardly Trolls' on Social Media
Throughout his stint on Strictly, Layton Williams faced a barrage of hate from online trolls, particularly due to his musical theatre background. In response, Williams took to social media to slam the 'cowardly trolls' who targeted him. Sharing a gif of Gordon Ramsay with an explicit caption, Williams made it clear that he would not let the trolls bring him down. He also warned that he would not hesitate to clap back if they had the courage to confront him face-to-face.
Overwhelming Support from Fans
Despite the hate, Layton Williams received an outpouring of support from his fans. Many praised his talent and urged him not to let the trolls' comments affect him. One fan commented that the haters were simply jealous, as they could never match Williams' talent and fabulousness. Another advised him to ignore the trolls, as it would bother them more than if he engaged with them. The support from his fans undoubtedly helped Williams stay strong in the face of adversity.
Calls for Change in Recruitment Policy
The relentless trolling faced by Layton Williams has sparked calls for a change in Strictly's recruitment policy. Some argue that trained dancers, like Williams, have an unfair advantage over other contestants, leading to accusations of a "fix." The show's producers may need to address these concerns and consider adjusting the way they select participants to ensure a level playing field.
Last week, Ellie Leach and her professional partner Vito Coppola were crowned the winners of Strictly. However, it was Layton Williams who caught the attention of the judges, frequently scoring perfect points throughout the competition.
