Layton Williams' old teacher gave an emotional tribute to her formal pupil as she praised his efforts for making it to the final of Strictly Come Dancing.
Star of stage and screen Layton has left an impressionable mark on viewers as he continues to showcase his impeccable dance moves on the BBC show. Performing alongside Nikita Kuzmin, the pair have continued to push boundaries and have become fan favourites over time.
Reflecting on Layton's journey and the enormity of his achievements, teacher Joanne Morris couldn't be more proud. Layton attended St Paul's CE Primary School located on the on the edge of Bury and Joanne taught him as a year 6 student.
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Now headteacher of the school, Joanne told Machester Evening News: "I think the biggest thing is how proud we are. I'm very emotional, I could cry thinking about how that tiny boy, that lives on a back street up there, from one of the most deprived areas in the country, is now on Strictly Come Dancing."
Layton, 29, grew up in one of the most deprived areas in the UK. But Joanne recognised that he had big dreams when he starred in the school's production of Peter Pan playing the role of Captain Hook.
Bad Education star Layton will be joining Coronation Street's Ellie Leach and EastEnders star Bobby Brazier as they battle it out to be crowned this year's Strictly champion. But although Layton has continued to receive praise for his outstanding performances every week, the star has also endured immense backlash from viewers throughout his time in the competition.
Due to his musical theatre background, many have criticised the show for allowing Layton to compete as many have deemed him to be "professional". However, Layton previously insisted that he hasn't been trained in ballroom dances.
Despite the backlash, Layton has received support from industry professionals such as former Strictly judge Arlene Phillips. The 80-year-old urged fans to not pick on the theatre star.
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She told The Mirror: "It's no more unfair advantage than the other dancers that they’ve had on, such as the Pussycats' Ashley Roberts. They’ve had people who have come on before who’ve danced… there was always an anger from certain members of the public that they had danced before…"
Arlene added: "There is no one I can think of who comes in with an attitude as positive as Layton’s. Whatever he is working on, nothing gets him down."
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