BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Nikita Kuzmin 'fights tears' as he sends 'don't' message to Layton Williams and to fans

It comes after a special night for the Ukrainian dancer and his celebrity dance partner on Saturday night

Nikita Kuzmin appeared emotional as he looked back at his recent appearance in the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom. It was a special night for the Ukrainian dancer and his celebrity dance partner Layton Williams on Saturday night (December 2) as they performed in the quarter-finals.

The BBC One dance contest also marked its annual Musicals week but things were quite different as only four couples performed during the live show after major changes had to be made following Nigel Harman's sudden exit from the competition. The actor and his professional dance partner Katya Jones had to withdraw from Strictly 2023 after he sustained a rib injury that left him in A&E.

While the remaining couples still performed, they only did so for the judges' scores as there was no public vote and subsequently no dreaded dance-off and elimination. It meant that Layton and Nikita were already semi-finalists when they blew the judges away to get the first perfect score of the 2023 series.

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The actor and West and star and his professional dance partner stole the show by performing a dramatic paso doble to Backstage Romance from Moulin Rouge! The Musical. Bad Education star Layton showed off his high kick and quick footwork skills before being dragged across the floor in splits and being lifted into the air at the end.

Motsi Mabuse gave him a standing ovation and said "This is how you come back from a dance-off", and described the performance as "stunning". She also appeared to defend the pair, saying: "I have to commend both of you, because of all of this negativity you have been receiving, and to shine week on week, never losing yourself, always trying to push the boundaries and bring something different and special..."

Craig Revel Horwood also said it brought him back to his time performing in the Moulin Rouge, and described the routine as "fab-u-lous" before he finally lifted his '10' paddle to cheers and applause from the show's group of professional dancers supporting the remaining couples in the 'Clauditorium'.

Taking to social media days after wowing both the judges and viewers, Nikita reflected on what happened over the weekend. Sharing pictures from their performance and a clip of the moment Craig finally lifted his 10 paddle, the 26-year-old penned: "Still on a big high from last weekend. Finally, our first 40... so special!! Thank you for supporting us and thank you Layton for being a dream partner. I see you giving your all to this, and you deserve it all."

He added alongside a face holding back tears emoji: "Don't want this competition to end. Semi Finals! Bring it on." And fans were quick to support. @amondob shared: "The most overdue 40 in Strictly history! The choreography was UNREAL, you bring out the best in one another and its beautiful to witness! Here's to the final with another few 40s on route."

@thedubhdog replied: "Flaming love you two! You light up my Saturday night. You are magical together." @fionadeltoro commented: "Obviously that 40 was weeks overdue but your reaction made me cry. Absolutely love your partnership with Layton it's just perfect. Good luck to you both for the semi finals." @potter_don added: "You two are so good together, good luck and keep going."