Strictly Come Dancing FIRST LOOK: Layton Williams and his dance partner Nikita Kuzmin pull out all the stops in rehearsals ahead of the final
Strictly Come Dancing's Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin are preparing for their most important dance yet.
The dancing duo, along with Vito Coppola and Bobby Brazier and his professional dancer Dianne Buswell, will compete against Ellie Leach to win the Glitterball Trophy on Saturday.
And ahead of the highly anticipated finale, BBC released a teaser video of the Strictly pair performing during rehearsals.
Each couple performs three dances, including the long-awaited show dance.
Layton, 29, said he was “so excited” about his most “ambitious” and “challenging” performance yet.
Strictly Come Dancing's Layton Williams, 29, and Nikita Kuzmin, 25, prepare for their most important dance yet
The dancing duo will compete against Ellie Leach with Vito Coppola and Bobby Brazier and his professional dancer Dianne Buswell to win the Glitterball Trophy on Saturday
He said: 'There are no rules, I'm bubbly. A bit of Jazz… it suits us as individuals, but also as a duo.'
Nikita, 25, said: 'It's one of the most complex choreographies anyone has ever done on the show.'
Layton added, “It's definitely one of our most ambitious dances, so it's a little scary, we're always up for the challenge.”
The Bad Education star showed off his impressive flexibility during their grueling dance rehearsal, as both wore black hats as props.
The actor recently shared his reaction to a standing ovation from Craig Revel Horwood in Saturday's semi-final.
The dancing duo received a rare standing ovation from Craig after scoring a perfect 40 for the second week in a row.
Their flawless Charleston marked the star with twinkling toes, with Nikita securing a place in this week's final.
Layton responded to the moment during an interview on Strictly: It Takes Two on Thursday evening.
And ahead of the highly anticipated finale, BBC released a teaser video of the Strictly pair performing during rehearsals
Each couple performs three dances, including the long-awaited show dance
Layton said he was “so excited” about his most “ambitious” and “challenging” performance yet. Layton added, “It's definitely one of our most ambitious dances, so it's a little scary, we're always up for the challenge.”
The Bad Education star showed off his impressive flexibility during their grueling dance rehearsal, as both wore black hats as props
Strictly Come Dancing's Layton shared his reaction to a standing ovation from Craig Revel Horwood in Saturday's semi-final
The actor, 29, and his professional dance partner Nikita Kuzmin, 25, scored a perfect 40 for the second week in a row to secure a place in this week's final.
“I didn't know what was going to come out of his mouth,” Williams said, adding that he was “shocked.”
He continued, “It was the biggest pat on the back.”
The week before, Layton scored a perfect 40 for a mesmerizing Paso Doble, and again this week for Charleston to Fit as a Fiddle by Gene Kelly and Donald O'Connor.
They first danced the Rumba to Rihanna's Lift Me Up, for which they received 36 out of 40 points, before leaving Craig, 58, stunned by their Charleston.
Craig stood up and gave them a very rare standing ovation for the routine as he clapped for them, while Layton and Nikita seemed very surprised by the praise from the strict judges.
Craig told them, “That's the best Charleston I've seen in twenty years.”
While Motsi Mabuse echoed him as she added: “There is nothing that has been better, and this is a testament to your hard work and everyone around you, well done.”
Craig, Motsi, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke all gave Layton and Nikita 10 points for the routine, earning a perfect score for the second time.
They first danced the Rumba to Rihanna's Lift Me Up (pictured), for which they received 36 out of 40 points, before leaving Craig, 58, stunned by their Charleston
Craig told them, “That's the best Charleston I've seen in 20 years,” as he commented on their energetic dancing
The pair appeared completely overwhelmed as they received their scores and Nikita broke down in tears as he paid tribute to his dance partner
The pair appeared completely overwhelmed as they received their scores and Nikita burst into tears as he paid tribute to his dance partner.
Nikita also made a cryptic comment about Layton still bringing people “joy” despite what's going on in his “personal life” while hinting at difficulties.
He said: 'You try to bring joy to everyone – no matter what's going on outside or in your personal life – I'm not going to get into that – you always bring joy.
“You make me shine with how much you shine, you are one of my best friends.”
Layton will be hoping to secure their place in next Saturday's final as they take on Ellie Leach, Bobby Brazier and Annabel in the race for the glitterball. The three finalists will be announced during Sunday's results show.