Inside Strictly and West End star Layton Williams’ staycation as he heads to £500 a night retreat after backstage ‘feud’
Layton #Layton
STRICTLY Come Dancing star Layton Williams has kicked back and enjoyed some “rest and relaxation” after making it through another live show.
The West End performer, 29, avoided the dreaded dance off on Sunday’s show, which saw actor Adam Thomas sent home.
6
Strictly’s Layton Williams has enjoyed some ‘rest and relaxation’ after making it through the latest live showCredit: PA
6
He captured himself in a huge bath at Babbington HouseCredit: Instagram/laytonwilliams
6
The performer has been at the heart of feud rumours on the BBC setCredit: PA
The Sun recently reported speculation of a feud centred on Layton, with fellow celebrities said to be “frustrated” at having to compete against the trained dancer.
Yet he has escaped from the alleged drama in a lavish spa at Babbington House.
The property, which comes under the Soho House brand, features a stunning outdoor hot tub and extensive leafy grounds to explore.
Inside, there’s comfy chairs looking out over the gardens.
In his Instagram image caption, Layton wrote: “Some much needed Sunday r&r!”
One fan quickly responded: “What you deserve,” as a second gushed: “So happy you’re happy.”
A third simply put: “Slayed.”
One then added: “You needed a break! I can’t wait to see your Argentine Tango! Work on those feet, Layton and you’ll smash it!!”
Another surmised: “The bath of dreams! I hope you had a nice relaxing, well needed rest.”
Back in July, we reported how the new series had already become subject to “fix” rows because of the performer’s involvement.
Layton recently starred in hit musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie.
Yet the Bad Education actor – who has now caught the attention of Strictly Come Dancing bosses – first found fame with his fancy footwork in the stage adaptation of Billy Elliott in 2007.
Back in summer, a source told MailOnline of the controversial sign up and said: “Layton is an incredible dancer and performer.
“Strictly bosses signing him for the show will ruffle some feathers because he is professionally trained and has extensive experience with learning difficult choreography, which many of the contestants, especially those from a sporting or political background, will at first find impossible.
“The show has been criticised in the past for recruiting contestants with a background in dance and this year will be no different as Layton is a star in his own right and known for being an impeccable dancer on stage.”
Now, on-screen, Layton has scored a series of high marks throughout the series thanks to his impressive routines with pro Nikita Kuzmin.
But according to reports, Layton is starting to rub the other celebs up the wrong way.
A source told the Mail on Sunday: “Of course there have always been dancers of different standards on Strictly, that’s part of the show’s greatness.
“But this is ridiculous, he is as good or even better than his professional partner. There is such an uneven playing field here that it is impossible for any of the other contestants to have a chance of winning, even if the viewers do enjoy watching a celebrity’s journey.
“While there might not be a rule that professional dancers can’t take part, it absolutely goes against the spirit of the show.”
Former star James Jordan also thinks Strictly has “gone too far” by having professional dancers on the show.
6
Layton has retreated to the Soho House property’s stunning surroundingsCredit: Instagram/laytonwilliams
6
The stunning grounds were the perfect tranquil settings to chillCredit: Instagram/laytonwilliams
6
Layton, 29, sparked Strictly fix rumours due to his dance experienceCredit: PA