Everybody's talking about LAYTON

Strictly's NIKITA KUZMIN and celeb partner LAYTON WILLIAMS tell TV Times why they are having a ball on the dance floor...

STRICTLY COME DANCING
SAT, 6.35PM, & SUN, 7.15PM,
BBC1 ENTERTAINMENT

It's barely light on a Wednesday morning in October, but West End star Layton Williams and his professional partner, Nikita Kuzmin, are already arriving at a south London dance studio for eight hours of rigorous training.

Over the past few weeks, the couple have waltzed their way into the hearts of Strictly Come Dancing fans, with their intricate quickstep to classic song Puttin' on the Ritz becoming one of the highest-scoring week-two routines in the history of the BBC1 sequinned spectacular, receiving a nine from all four members of the judging panel.

But it hasn't been all hard graft. During breaks in training, Layton, 29, whose theatreland credits include hit musicals Everybody's  Talking about Jamie, Hairspray and Billy Elliot, and Ukraine.

Layton born six-times Italian Latin and Ballroom champion Nikita, 25, still find time to have fun, crack jokes and even relax with some meditation! Ahead of their rehearsal, the pair joined TV Times for an exclusive chat about their budding bromance, fancy footwork and the importance of keeping viewers guessing their next move...

So, how have you found training so far?

LAYTON Oh gosh, it's been really intense. We probably do about seven or eight hours a day! Every Monday, it's like a big slap in the face - I'm like, 'OK, how am I going to learn this new routine?* It's testing on the body, for sure, but, luckily, I've had no injuries so far. As for blisters, I just crack on!

NIKITA We're lucky because we clicked straight away. Honestly, we're just like two best friends hanging out. We goof around but then focus on the job. I have such a good connection with Layton that everything just feels so easy.