Layton Williams On His Toughest (and Campest) Challenge Yet and Why He Will Always Put His Pride First

WORDS Jamie Windust

After taking to the Strictly Ballroom in 2023, Layton Williams has continued to create seismic waves through the world of entertainment, and not just because his heels continue to get elaborately taller.

As a child star, many queer folk became tethered to his over the top yet inherently relatable performance as Stephen Carmichael in BBC Three comedy Bad Education, seeing themselves on screen – often for the first time. For others, his even earlier portrayal as Kylie Parkinson was equally camp yet heart-warming in Beautiful People alongside Olivia Coleman and Meera Syal. He quickly cemented himself as a rarity on our screens throughout the late noughties, both as his characters and as an actor, always in on the joke and never one to be laughed at. Even from day one, he inspired a confidence in us as viewers that many of us had only ever dreamed of. Through his undeniable strength and talent as a queer, black performer he is pillar of the LGBTQ+ community in the UK. 

Since then, his star has continued to rise – with 2023 undoubtedly a shining moment. After making it to the finals of Strictly Come Dancing alongside professional dance partner Nikita Kuzmin, battling intense scrutiny and pressure throughout, Williams let his skill speak for itself, winning record scores and fans along the way. Fresh from hosting the BAFTAs Red Carpet and his first performance as the spectacular Emcee in London’s West End run of Cabaret, it’s easy to see how impactful the past twelve months have been. “It has been quite the year eh?” he admits. “I look back with gratitude, honestly. You never really know what’s on the horizon and I feel so happy that my career just continues to grow on a steady trajectory. It feels cute… really cute.”

There’s an openness that comes with him wherever he goes. Not an air of arrogance or snobbery – rather, the embodiment of knowing oneself through and through. For queer audiences, this is what many identify as Williams’ defining characteristic that they can’t get enough of and what draws them into his world, but in today’s age of ‘social media supervision’, it is a fine balance to strike. “Oh there’s plenty people [who] don’t know about me, trust. I share what I want but so much goes on behind closed doors that I feel should stay that way. At least, until I spill the tea in a dishy autobiography,” he laughs.

Last year, Williams invited us into his private life further by sharing he was in a relationship, resulting in fans and friends alike sharing their happiness at seeing an out, queer public figure love so publicly. But Williams shares how the decision to publicise his new found love came from a place of protection as well as pride: “I actually spilled my boyfriend on social media because apparently the press were going to run a story on him. I have nothing to hide, it’s not like I’m not out.” Williams continued, adding that despite the fear of invasive tabloids, there’s still joy in being able to be proudly queer. “I just think it was quite early in my relationship and a very intense time for me with crazy articles about everything and anything. I just wanted to protect our peace for a minute. I’ve been publicly queer and proud pretty much my whole career, so to be happy and in love publicly is a win.”

Aside from the personal, Williams has never shied away from a challenge and his new role as Emcee in the West End’s most discussed show is certainly not for the faint hearted. Taking over from Luke Treadaway, Williams’ turn as the famous host of the KitKat club was received with rapturous applause across social media. 

“I’m so buzzing to be a part of this epic show. The rehearsal period was actually lovely but I barely saw anyone, including Rhea,” he shares.

Taking over as Sally Bowles is Hearstopper star and “proud ally” Rhea Norwood, who replaces Cara Delevingne. The show, which recently transferred to Broadway with Eddie Redmayne putting his eyeliner back on for another spell as Emcee, has become a theatre lover’s wet dream. Why? Because of the cast. From Maude Apatow to Mason Alexander Park, fans around the world have descended on London in droves to see what’s really going down at the Kit Kat Club. With big shoes to fill, Williams’ skills expertly equip him to take over the mammoth role.

Previous iterations include Eddie Redmayne and Jessie Buckley, and John McCrea and Aimee Lou Wood, who are close to Williams’ heart. “Of course [McCrea] was one of the first people I called. It’s the second time I’ve taken over a role he’s played so it was super insightful to gauge how the process could potentially be. Us besties stick together. Work is work, but we’ll always have each other’s back. Period.”

It’s hard not to observe the parallels between the show’s message of perseverance and unity amidst the societal collapse and frightening extremism in the world many of us inhabit each day. For LGBTQ+ people right now, amidst a growing far-right stance in Europe and electioneering jabs both in the UK and US, it’s become even more dangerous to exist publicly. 

But since its inaugural performance on Broadway in 1966, Cabaret has continued to wrap audiences in its familial arms – embracing the misfits and the weirdos, and giving them permission to be free long after they leave the theatre. Williams reflects on the importance of what’s at the show’s core, and why its message will stay with audiences long after they leave the theatre. “It’s heavy. As the Emcee says, ‘Leave your troubles outside’. Come to the Kit Kat Club to escape but also to learn from our mistakes in the hopes we don’t continue to peddle back. Life is so precious and there’s a lot of evil out there but we can be beacons of hope. Tiny ripples of love and joy can go a long way,” he says.

With Williams’ stint at the Playhouse Theatre confirmed until September, it feels almost rude to ask what he could possibly squeeze into the rest of his 2024. But not one to shy away from a challenge, Williams is confirmed to be booked and busy, just as he likes it. 

Since his turn on the Strictly Ballroom floor came to an end, he has been treating fans to an insight into the continuation of his one of a kind relationship with Strictly pro Nikita, touring the country with his Pros From The Shows classes, giving young dancers of all abilities and identities the chance to firmly find confidence in the skin they’re in. As they both begin rehearsals for their live shows, Williams offers up a mantra for the future that fits his beautifully charming and warm hearted spirit perfectly: “Now Cabaret is open, Nikita and I have started rehearsal for our Layton & Nikita Live show in Manchester and London. So it’s all go go go. No sleep. Show. Another show. Another show. Bus. However after this West End stint, who knows? I just hope to continue being happy, healthy and horny!”

Amen sister, Amen.

Layton Williams stars as The Emcee in Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club until 21 September 2024. Kitkat.club‘Layton & Nikita Live!’ is at Manchester Bridgewater Hall on 30 June and Theatre Royal Drury Lane London on 16 July. More information and tickets here.