Strictly Come Dancing’s Layton Williams forced to pull out of show amid ‘tough decision’

0
1

Strictly Come Dancing’s Layton Williams has revealed he’s made the ‘tough decision’ to withdraw from the stage production of Kiss of the Spider Woman

A Strictly Come Dancing star has had to pull out of a show. Layton Williams has had to bow out of the stage production, Kiss of the Spider Woman, and has extended an apology to his fans. The actor was set to play the role of Molina, but has since been replaced by Fabian Soto Pacheco after stepping down from the show.

The 31-year-old took to Instagram stories to break the news to his followers and explain his decision. Alongside a cast poster, he wrote: “Unfortunately, I’ve had to withdraw from this incredible show! Wishing this gorgeous cast all the very best for a fab run.”

He then shared his official statement, which read: “Walking away from this production was an incredibly tough decision and not one I made lightly.”

“What Director Paul and the team are putting together is truly magical, but an opportunity arose that I simply couldn’t turn down. While I’m sad to be leaving the show, I know the production is going to be absolutely incredible, and I’m sending all my love to the company, including Fabian, who is going to make a remarkable Molina.”

“Finally, I’d like to say a huge thank you to the teams at Curve, Bristol Old Vic, Mayflower Southampton, and everyone who has helped me navigate this situation.”

“I’ll forever be indebted to you and hope we can collaborate again in the future. To everyone else, please make sure you book tickets to see Kiss of the Spider Woman! It really is going to be an unmissable show!”

The BBC One star then shared another story in which he vowed to share the full story with his fans. Layton added: “Lastly…Apologies to any loyal fans who booked tickets to see me personally. I so appreciate your love and support. Even my grandparents booked and are still excited about seeing the show, bless them. So I urge ya’ll please to do the same.”

“Once I spill my tea, I hope you’ll understand. But for now, big love and thanks to the incredible teams for everything.” Chris Stafford, Curve’s chief executive, and Nikolai Foster, the artistic director, speaking on behalf of the co-producers, said: “Acclaimed director Paul and his team have brought together a phenomenal company and whilst we are sorry to see Layton leave the production.

“We wish him every continued success. Layton has enjoyed a long relationship with our audiences, and we very much look forward to welcoming him back to Curve in the future.”

The show is set to kick off in Leicester in April, before heading to Bristol and finally wrapping up in Southampton. Currently, Layton is gracing the stage as a special guest on the Strictly Come Dancing Tour, reuniting with his dance partner, Nikita Kuzmin, for performances across the country.

He first competed on the popular dance show in 2023, making it to the final with Nikita, only to be narrowly beaten by former Coronation Street actress, Ellie Leach and her partner, Vito Coppola.

Article continues below

Following this, he joined the live tour in 2024, with his current stint marking his second time touring with the Strictly troupe.

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .

Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: mirror.co.uk