Strictly Come Dancing contestant Layton Williams  wowed the judges by performing a back handspring with a wig on while dancing to Olivia Rodrigo’s Vampire.

Judge Craig Revel Horwood labelled last night’ s  performance a “theatrical triumph”, but head judge Shirley Ballas had some criticisms and told Williams that he needed to work on the basics.

The Bolton News:

Bury musical  theatre star Williams, 29, who played Stephen on BBC Three series Bad Education, is partnered with professional dancer Nikita Kuzmin and the pair performed a tango on Saturday which received a standing ovation.

Offering her criticism on the spooky dance which took place during Strictly’s Halloween Week, Ballas said: “I think it’s got some great choreography going on.

The Bolton News:

“I think you are an exceptional dancer. I think everybody knows that.

“You can drum, you’ve got all the tricks… but for me it is still a ballroom and Latin competition and there are certain fundamentals, particularly like when you’re going into promenade which is a very basic step.”

Responding to boos, Ballas went on: “No, hang on a minute. Please wait a moment. Basic at the bronze level.

“When you’re going into promenade the first step is a heel… I’m just talking keep working on the footwork as you know you’ve got the rest, but what’s difficult is the fundamentals.”

Refuting her opinion, Revel Horwood said: “I disagree with Shirley that this is strictly a ballroom and Latin competition, we have plenty of other forms of dancing that we do as well and for me this was a theatrical triumph.”

Also complimenting Williams was Du Beke, who called him a “fantastic dancer”.

Williams mentioned that the nerves had got to him this week, and said he wants to “level up”.

With four nines from the judges, the duo received a total of 36 points, which put them second on the Strictly leader board this week, behind Ellie Leach, aLeo from Bury,  and Vito Coppola, who wowed with their salsa.