Layton Williams is an English actor, singer, and dancer. He is best known for playing the role of Stephen Carmichael in the television series "Bad Education" and for his work in the West End theatre. His career skyrocketed at the age of twelve when he assumed the lead in "Billy Elliot the Musical" in London. In August 2023, Williams was announced as a contestant on the twenty-first series of Strictly Come Dancing.
Layton Williams, a versatile English actor, singer, and dancer, gained fame for his work in "Bad Education" and as the lead in "Billy Elliot the Musical" at age twelve. He showcased his talents in various roles, including Young Michael Jackson in Thriller – Live and Kylie in "Beautiful People," and appeared in the CBBC documentary "School for Stars."
Layton Williams, born on September 13, 1994, in Bury, Greater Manchester, England, holds British nationality and has a mixed ethnicity, stemming from his white mother and Jamaican-descendant father. Raised in a family with several siblings and half-siblings who maintain a private life, Layton originally hails from Manchester but relocated to London at the age of 11 to pursue his acting aspirations. He attended the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts in London, with his paternal lineage connecting to Jamaica, while his father was born in the UK.
After intensive training at the Billy Elliot Academy in Leeds, Layton Williams made his debut in Billy Elliot the Musical on February 26, 2007, in London's West End, with his training journey featured on The Paul O'Grady Show and various morning TV programs. He became the second non-white boy and the first mixed-race youth to star in the production, ultimately giving his final performance on November 29, 2008, ranking as the second-longest running 'Billy.'
Additionally, in January 2009, Layton appeared on ITV's Feelgood Factor alongside fellow 'Billy' actors Tanner Pflueger and Tom Holland for a specially choreographed performance of Angry Dance from the musical. His training also included street dance and drama at Carol Godby's Theatre Workshop in Bury, ballet at Centre Pointe in Manchester, a scholarship to Sylvia Young Theatre School in London, and attendance at the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts, where he was featured in the CBBC documentary School for Stars.
Layton Williams, initially recognized for his role as Young Michael Jackson in the West End musical Thriller – Live embarked on a multifaceted career spanning television and theater. Notably, he charmed TV audiences as Kylie in the BBC Two comedy Beautiful People, later reprising his comedic talent in the BBC series Bad Education and its spinoff film. His theatrical journey saw him tour with Matthew Bourne's The Car Man, take on the role of Duane in Hairspray the Musical, and join the 20th-anniversary cast of Rent for a UK tour. However, it was his lead role in the hit musical Everybody's Talking About Jamie that earned him acclaim during an 11-month stint at London's Apollo Theatre, with plans to join the show's tour before the pandemic's interruption.
Now, Layton has embarked on a new adventure, leading the cast of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie in its US debut in Los Angeles. Beyond his entertainment career, he actively supports charities like Stonewall and Ditch the Label, while also directing 'Pros From The Shows,' an organization offering workshops and a successful clothing line. Furthermore, Layton's star continues to rise as he's set to showcase his dancing skills on the twenty-first series of Strictly Come Dancing in August 2023.
Layton Williams openly identifies as gay and has candidly discussed his journey towards self-acceptance during his time working on Billy Elliot in London. At present, he remains unattached and unmarried, without a current partner, husband, or boyfriend, choosing to relish his single life with contentment and without any disruptions.
Layton Williams, an accomplished actor, singer, and dancer, has a net worth estimated at $6 million as of 2023, primarily derived from his successful career in the entertainment and music industries. With an annual salary exceeding $500,000, Layton embarked on his acting journey at the tender age of 12, making his mark as the star of Billy Elliot the Musical. Presently, he enjoys a comfortable and stylish lifestyle.
Layton Williams stands at a perfect height of 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 meters) and maintains a svelte physique with a weight of 70 kilograms (154 pounds). His striking features include raven-black hair and captivating brown eyes. His body measurements align at 39-30-11 inches, reflecting a slim and well-proportioned physique. He has a healthy body at present.
Layton Williams embarked on his career journey at the age of 12, making a remarkable debut as the lead in the London West End production of Billy Elliot the Musical. During his early career, he notably portrayed Young Michael Jackson in the musical production Thriller – Live.
Layton hails from a mixed ethnic background, tracing his heritage to his white mother and Jamaican-descendant father. This diverse lineage reflects his unique cultural identity, showcasing the rich tapestry of his family's roots. Such multicultural backgrounds often contribute to a rich and diverse perspective, shaping Layton's experiences and potentially influencing his artistic endeavors as an actor, singer, and dancer.
Layton Williams identifies as gay and has openly discussed his journey towards embracing his sexuality, a process he began while working on Billy Elliot in London. His candidness about his sexual orientation has been a source of support and inspiration for others.
Layton Williams has been announced as the third celebrity contestant for "Strictly Come Dancing" 2023, with the news unveiled on The One Show on BBC One on August 4, 2023. Expressing his enthusiasm, Layton exclaimed, "Absolutely buzzing to confirm that I will be taking part in THE most iconic dance competition in the UK! It's time to bring it to the Ballroom. So excited to learn new skills from the best. Bring on the sequins... ALL the sequins!" Notably, Layton Williams is part of this season's groundbreaking all-male pairing and is partnered with Nikita Kuzmin.