Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin Argentine Tango to Tattoo by Loreen ✨ BBC Strictly 2023 

I held my breath all the way through this dance...not because it was bad, it was because it took my breath away. Absolutely flawless. This is one talented partnership and you guys have made the series very special indeed. 👏🏾🔥👏🏾🔥

Ellie and Vito lifted the trophy, congratulations to them. Layton and Nikita will be in the Strictly record books and we will still be talking about their fabulous dance routines, and their amazing partnership was beautiful to watch. With all the hate and negativity Layton faced, they showed up on the dancefloor and wowed the crowd every week. My winners hands down. Keep shining Layton, your fabulous, Nikita see you in series 22 💕😊

Months go by, and still this is the most erotic, heart wrenching, emotional and beautifully technical dance ever seen on Strictly - and calls me back time and time again to rewatch this brilliance.

One of the deepest connected partnerships I have ever seen on strictly. Built on trust, integrity and mutual understanding. To be able to bring the intensity, sensuality and emotional connection of an Argentine tango and still bring me to tears, is phenomenal

I've a feeling Layton's extraordinary talent and (yes) professionalism actually RAISED everyone's game. It certainly inspired some fabulous choreography which, in turn, pushed many of the other couples to give their very best. So rather than slam him for his dance experience, I praise him for setting a high bar which IMHO drove the overall standard of dancing up to wonderful heights!

layton and nikita are such a special partnership- following them this season has been an absolute joy

It's now April 2024 and I'm still watching every Layton and Nikita dance. The best couple ever, the best Strictly ever, because of Layton and Nikita! There will be never again a fabulous dancing couple like them!!!

THE best dance of the series. And my favourite Argentine Tango ever on Strictly. Layton and Nikita are the winners of this series to me. 💕💕

“We both know this is not our time … all I care about is you”. What a fitting song for their final dance. First time around this was fantastic. This time it was sublime and full of their love. I’m bereft they’ve gone 💔

Layton and Nikita your aregnetine tango was phenomenal tonight. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for doing this on prime time Saturday night TV. I hope it shows people there is a way that gay and straight men can relate to each other with mutual respect and an openness to let each other thrive. You are both fantastically talented dancers, but i hope you are going to leave a greater legacy than that. Thank you, Layton, for being fearless in expressing your difference. Thank you, Nikita, for being secure enough in your own sexuality to respect that and let him shine. You are hands down my winners.

We all know these are the true winners when it comes to technicality and performance and TALENT. These are the BEST couple Strictly has EVER had. Thank you for all your amazing performances!

This has taken my top spot for my favourite dance in any dance show in 20 years. I bow down to you boys!

This dance makes me feel feelings in my heart. I think this is the best dance I’ve ever seen on Strictly. Layton is the best contestant ever. I love how they make each other shine. Also I am grateful for his strength and determination to represent the LGBTQ+ community to the best of his ability.

Nothing that has ever been on this show in all the years it's been on air has made me feel the way this dance, and this partnership, makes me feel. I think what they have represented, so perfectly and beautifully, is so much more important than winning would have been.

While they may not have secured the mirrorball trophy 🏆, as I suspected, I accept it for what it is. They've captured numerous hearts, and I couldn't be prouder. Layton and Nikita, you're exceptional, and as Claudia mentioned, this isn't the end for your special relationship. Embrace your stardom. Although my faith in humanity has wavered, every setback is a hidden blessing. Lakita, you've triumphed in the eyes of many. Well done! 👍🏾The only ones I’ll rewatch all the performance from the very start 🎭.

I got my mum of mid 70s to watch Strictly this year because of Layton & Nikita. She doesn’t normally bother as she says it’s boring. But she’s absolutely hooked this year! Now that’s the power of their dancing 😂

As a queer person who grew up seeing very little representation on screen, the fact that this beautiful dance closed out the final of Strictly Come Dancing, primetime on BBC One, is beyond words to me. They didn't win the trophy, but if one person feels able to be themselves, and be proud, because of their partnership, then they are winners.

Not just the dance of this series but probably of all time for Strictly. Leytons talent forced Nikita to excel at the choreography and boy did they both rise to the challenge. ❤❤❤❤

You can see how much they worked to improve both of their previous dances for the final - this was already so good the first time, but it felt like it was on another level this time. Thank you guys for this series - don't think i've ever been so excited to see what a couple's going to do with each dance (and then they go out each time and do something that's beyond what i could have imagined!!). Just amazing ❤

Liberal as we are in the netherlands. I did not expect this from the UK. Deep respect for the BBC and you all. We dont see this on our screen. I love this couple❤

Just when I thought this dance couldn’t get any better or emotional. They both look like their a second away from crying their eyes out during this. Honestly just absolutely stunning what a way to close out the season!

They were denied of the trophy but won the hearts of many. Not all winners are the best. But we know that already. Bravo, Nikita & Layton. 🎖👏👏👏👏👏

This wasn't a break up dance this time; just pure love ❤️ The hug at the end and their teary eyes say it all. Their partnership and friendship is só lovely to watch; touches me every time. Made me happy to see them beaming during the finale. Beautiful people, beautiful dancers.

No words can describe this . I was in floods after . The power the chemistry these 2 have will never be seen again

The real winners, right here!! Layton you're the best dancer in Strictly history, and with Nikita, the best couple ever! Every week you gave us extraordinary dances, so much beauty and passion! You're an inspiration to everyone, and the haters should learn from your kindness! Much love from a lifelong LGBTQ proud ally in London. ❤

I'm going to miss this couple. I'm so happy that Layton agreed to do the show which gave viewers a deserved treat on Saturday nights as well as bringing Nikita into the forefront of the programme. I absolutely loved them together & thank them for the joy (& even some tears).

Omg......the very end, the look on Layton's face, the emotion really hit him in that moment & when Nikita embraced him.....it really got to me 😢 they were the true winners every single week🥇🏆💕 Im going to miss them 🌠

This dance reached another level.tonight. It was amazing the first time but second time around it had even more energy and passion. This Argentine Tango will be remembered for years to come. Truly wonderful.

This dance was sheer and utter perfection.

Lakita may not have lifted the trophy, but they still won it to me. They accomplished what they came to do, inspire and entertain. Thats what this show is about. I don’t watch Strictly to see the likes of Tony Adams plod around the place, I watch it for dances like this. The best dancers never win, we all know that. But what’s interesting to me is that the runners up always get the last laugh. Nobody really talks about Ore, Joe and Stacy anymore. Its Danny, Alexandra and Ashley we remember. Same with Layton. Now excuse me, I’m just about to go and watch all of their amazing dances on repeat until next September.

Probably THE dance of the season. WINNERS 🏆🏆🏆

i have been a strictly super fan for years but i have never cried during or after a dance, but this dance and these boys changed that, they may not have won but they will always be my favourites, i have loved layton since week 1 and they’re partnership is so special, you can tell they will always be friends. love you guys ❤️

the final dance of the series.... just beautiful. pure magic.

Their first AT they had that intense ending, but here Nikita barely holds the pose a split second before going to hug Layton. Excuse me I'm crying😭❤

You made me cry with the emotional heartbreak of this performance. Talent like yours will never be dimmed Layton, and you and Nikita created true performance artistry in this dance. Dance is a form of art, it subverts, it celebrates and it changes lives, just like your partnership will do. The two of you will always be my winners ❤

My winners. I think the fans they have on here from all over the world, and the hundreds of thousands more views for their dances than any other couple show how amazing and important their partnership has been. Their dances last night were all perfect. Such lovely men who rose above everything and really delivered. Always sweet and kind in every interview. So sweet Nikita at the end of this one, Layton was staying in character but he just didn't bother.

I love how they changed the ending. In the original, Layton was standing alone, and Nikita stayed in character, emotionally detached, almost cold towards him. This time around, reflecting their deeper relationship, Nikita rushed to hug Layton tightly. That was proper, loving closure to the relationship.

If we forget about all the reality tv competition drama side of things for a moment and get lost in the beautiful piece of art that this dance is... and what poetry, that the first version was about a breakup, beautifully acted and performed, and when they returned to it, the narrative had transformed so that it wasn't really acting anymore, but a goodbye between two people who clearly changed each other's lives and hearts for a lifetime. Wow - forget everything else, this is the very best of Strictly for me, and the best of humanity, to be honest. It reminds me of that quote by Michel de Montaigne on his friendship with Etienne de la Boetie: ‘Because it was him, because it was me.’ Congrats on your everything, boys.

And this version with the hug at the end ahhhh xx

I've watched this over & over. It's absolutely incredible. I honestly don't think this will ever be topped

The winners in my eyes, most dramatic, sensual dance I’ve ever watched on strictly, makes you tearful.😢So sad they didn’t win, amazing dancers, brilliant choreography just an amazing couple. ❤❤

An amazing performance. I had tears in my eyes and felt so emotional watching their final dances and feel emotional every time I re-watch them I'm so proud of Layton and Nikita and they're my favourite ever Strictly partnership. There is something so beautiful, magical and captivating about their dances. I can't get enough of re-watching them.❤❤

They are my winners. I love Layton he is undeniably himself despite the hate he gets. A real inspiration.💖

This dance is amazing!! I keep coming back to it. I also now associate this dance with this song.

They might not have won but this dance finally getting a 40, was all I needed to be happy with the final ❤ Very well done Ellie & Vito for winning ❤ Layton and Nikita dancing together has helped me so much, as my mental health has been so bad these last couple of months and watching and rewatching their amazing dances week after week has given me such a smile on my face ❤ When I said I was Team Lakita forever and always I meant it, I need them to do some sort of tour with just them because I'd love it if they did ❤ Their friendship has been absolutely beautiful ❤ I am so absolutely proud of them ❤

They stole my heart 💜 from day one. Thank you Layton & Nikita for bringing so much joy into my life. I will miss you 💕💘

Best strictly routine of all time 💜

Yes. I am glad this got a 40 like it should have done. This is one of my faves from him. This is his 40 dance.

What a fitting final dance to end Strictly 2023. What an incredible partnership, I feel sad that it’s over for now but I’m sure producers both here and the US will be knocking on both Layton & Nikita’s doors to continue performing as a duo for the future to come 🥰🥰🥰

588 points!! Only three from Ashley and Pasha, and two ahead of Alesha and Matthew. Our boys did it. They stole the show and our hearts

dance of the series! possibly of every series

They are the winners of my heart♥️. I could watch them all day and I will never get the hatred they got! Layton and Nikita were beyond phenomenal in my opinion!💛💛👏👏

Cant stop watching this with tears in my eyes! Cant wait for you guys to have your own show.... Nothing compares!🔥🔥🔥

My champions. I knew they wouldn't be allowed to win, but there's no one better for me than this couple.

Such talented dancers. The first time they did this was superb. How on earth did they improve it for the final??! I love it even more. This season's winners for me X

No offense to the winners, but Nikita and Layton are a league of their own. They belong to the Mount Olympus of SCD dancing.

Ellie and Vito were worthy winners for sure, but this partnership was in a different league entirely- bravo Lakita, will be rewatching your dances for years ❤to come

I keep coming back to watch this video; every so often. It is just pure perfection, for me the best dance I have seen on Stricly ever (and I've been here since year one). The emotional takes my breath away. Thank you Layton and Nikita for creating something, which for me transcends time 💜

Can’t get enough of that dance, seen it countless time. These two have an incredible ability to convey emotions, and the depth of that performance is something I’ll always remember.

Spectacular as always! They did not win, but got to show the world their brilliance. Well done boys!! That hug at the end was everything.

The best ever partnership on strictly and they should have won. They were by far the best dancers on the show.

Watching on repeat! ..........their breath!❤movement❤

They are the winners in my heart. I knew that they wouldn't win but one could hope.

Took my breath away! Such talent is exceptional and beautiful!

Leyton and Nikita you were totally amazing and in the eyes of many you really did win keep on dancing and any show you put on I will be there and I know thousands of others will be too. The pair of you are unique

I think we've seen some of the best Argentine Tango this series with Ellie and Angela but, this one was phenomenal! Nothing more needed to be said. 10/10 Layton and Nikita is another partnership that is divine. I really enjoy their partnership, their friendship their antics. They may not had won the Glitterball but both have done something quite remarkable. It was kismet. 💖

They improved this dance significantly for the final. In the original Layton often looks quite balletic, and has his weight distribution and foot positioning not quite right for AT. And he's gotten much better with his partnering. Really excellent this time. Great work all round.

It’s been a week since they danced this dance, and for me it was the best dance to end a show of all shows As a fan of Eurovision, this reminded me of Loreen’s winning performance of the song in Liverpool at Eurovision. That performance in May, and this performance last week will always give me the same feeling. Pure joy

Insanely good ❤❤❤❤

Both are mesmerising, such talent, thank you for the joyful entertainment 👏👏👏👏

Layton was my winner. Truly he was sensational, a cut above. He should be very proud of himself and I'm sure there will be lots of future offers coming his way and rightly deserved.

Convinced we'll never see another partnership like them. This dance is just, history ❤

This dance make me cry every time I watch it! To your beautiful, genuine friendship Layton and Nikita! To just being human, love and express everything through dance! You are genuinely the best I've ever watched on Strictly. Because of your emotion, talent, synergy, pure art! I love you both!

From week 1 till the finals, there were my favorite cause they were doing g what is excepected from a competion. Well done even you didn't lift up the trophy but you lift our souls and love for the dance. ❤

What a truly incredible performance to close an amazing final. This was absolute perfection. You can clearly see the work Layton put in to improving it from the first time round; he's learnt to tone down his attack, to be more subtle and use changes of energy, the first time round Craig complained it looked too choreographed and this time it captured the spontaneity and reactionary nature of the AT between both partners, honestly it's just INSANE how amazing he is. Definitely has incredible things in store for him. (Sidenote- I thought it was really off that Craig didn't give him the critique he deserved as he was the one they were looking to impress the most- he should have commented on his improvement, but also the fact that he gave Layton no parting words as he did with the other two, to say how he really felt. And I also feel he should have lifted him up for being completely unapologetic in his authenticity- as Motsi did- as they are both living the same experience.) Layton should feel so proud of what he's achieved.

He has that special somthing that makes a star he has presence

One of those dances you never want to end. Goosebumps, breathtaking, intimate, amazing. Layton & Nikita are my winners. ✨

The best dance of the whole series 💜

Winners to me 🏆🥇 amazing couple and amazing dancers 🔥 could watch their performances forever ❤️❤️❤️

For me the best dance ever: passion, emotion and attraction between two persons. I loved it. Thank you for watching this special moment❤

My fav of their routines. All the feels

There is a reason this was chosen to be the very last dance - it was the height of the season, and the judges knew it. Layton has in his own way revolutionised Strictly. As Motsi said, we never saw his kind before and we never will again. Ellie was needed to cater for the mainstream, conservative fans but Layton and Nikita brought an edge, a dynamism, a new approach that reignites Strictly Come Dancing. Then Bobby brought the total novice element. All three finalists complemented each other.

Wow have never seen anything like this in DWTS here in US. This was phenomenal. I couldn’t tell who the choreographer or the artist was.

Without doubt these last three dances from Layton and Nikita were beyond outstanding. Nikita’s choreography brought out the very best in both dancers and has certainly raised the bar for future series. You may not have won the glitter ball but I hope you have inspired a lot of people to follow their dreams. Thank you for the joy you have given every week.

Leyton and Nikita you changed the world a little for the better this series. Absoloute trailblazing performances and a stunning connection between you. I never thought that i would see anything like this on tv in my lifetime. Thank you.

Goosebumps and my old bitter heart is swelling with emotion watching this dance❤

I can't stop watching their memorable performances.... Pleasure...!! .. ❤️❤️👏👏🥂🥂🥂

Immense! Made even more intense and beautiful by the vocalist.

Best ever!!!! 🌟🌟 Winners of my heart You two are stars, keep shining! Please do duo tour 🙏🏼

Layton and Nikita you were always my winners ❤❤ You absolute stars 🌟 🌟 Pure joy to watch you dance 😍

I absolutely love watching these two and wanted them to win, but I have to applaud the three finalists, any one of them deserved to win they put their hearts into the three dances. ❤

Layton is the real champion!!!!!!❤❤❤

our scores: me: 10 diya: 10 kelsey: 10 owen: 10 40/40 the dance was perfect. but asides from that, layton and nikita are now my favourite couple in strictly history. to me they made this series. i couldn’t imagine this show without them. love always wins, they proved that. the joy they gave me is what i’ll be taking away from Strictly 2023.

This dance - the first time, second time. Every time that I’ve watched - and I watch this a lot- it moves me on so many levels. Nothing compares and that it was last dance very meaningful. What this pairing has brought and their resilience in the face of quite shocking media : social behaviour is inspirational and I agree will never be repeated. I agree they raised everyone higher. I think they changed one step this version which was my favourite from the original but I forgive it … 😊

On the one hand I want to rave about the footwork (despite being able to say absolutely nothing about their technique), and on the other, I just wish this were about twice as long as it is (despite being reduced to tears by what's here). Lovely. Really lovely.

What a magnificent dance

Lakita, this was SPECTACULAR OMG. but I didn’t like it. I......... ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT! About bloody time you got a 40 for that. Even though they didn’t get that trophy they’ll still be winners in my eyes. I’ll always look back at their dances, so sad I won’t be seeing them anymore but I can hopefully go to the tour to see him 🤞. They are exceptional no matter whether they get hate or not. He still works so hard and has brought out the best of Nikita. I’m gonna miss these guys so much!!! 😢🥺😭

This was incredible 🎉

Best performance ever on Strictly 🔥🔥 Layton you are a true performer 🕺🏼winner in my eyes 🏆

Both are beautiful dancers