Bury-born Strictly Come Dancing contestant Layton Williams said he has faced “low key trolling” that he has found “overwhelming”.

On Sunday, a day after Williams and professional dance partner Nikita Kuzmin received four nines from the judges on the BBC show, the 29-year-old revealed that he had been getting mixed messages from the public.

Williams and Kuzmin, the series’ only same-sex dance couple, performed last and impressed all the judges, including Craig Revel Horwood, who said Williams’ talent was “ridiculous”.

The pair were awarded the highest score of the series so far with four nines from the judges – 36 points in total.

Writing on social media platform, X, formerly known as Twitter, Williams said: “The messages of love are overwhelming but as is the low-key trolling.

“I’m just here to have fun like all the other contestants.

“I’m trying to handle this with a smile and determination to slay another day but reminder #BeKind #Strictly.”

Alongside the message, Williams posted a photo of himself holding up a peace sign. He did not detail the nature of the trolling he had been subject to.

The musical theatre star and actor, who played the role of Stephen in BBC Three’s Bad Education, performed the quickstep to Puttin’ On The Ritz during the series’ second live show.

Celebrities in the Strictly line-up this year include veteran broadcaster Angela Rippon, actress Amanda Abbington, Paralympian Jody Cundy and Casualty star Nigel Harman.

Professional dancer Kuzmin had posted to his Instagram page on Saturday saying that he was “nervous” and “excited” for his performance with Williams on Saturday.

He wrote: “Show Day and first elimination Sunday! Nervous but at the same time looking so much forward to tonight. Even more exited (sic) for you to see what we all have in store this week two show! Bring it on partner @laytonwilliams.”

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