STRICTLY finalist Layton Williams has broken his silence after being beaten by winner Ellie Leach last night.
The 29 year-old performer spoke out after some fans branded the final a 'fix' over the judges scoring.
They were unhappy that Layton scored two perfect scores of 40, while champion Ellie only got one and did not top the leaderboard.
Others had a different take, claiming it was a fix that Layton didn't win after landing the highest scores.
"Deffo was robbed" one fan fumed on X/ twitter.
What Ola and James Jordan really ate and did to shed 7st
"Ellie was a superb contestant but Layton has been absolutely robbed there. Absolutely robbed," a second agreed.
But while some called for the judges' scoring to be scrapped from the final entirely, Layton wasn't getting involved in any social media drama.
Taking to instagram for the first time since missing out on the Glitterball Trophy, the Bad Education star showed he is enjoying escaping the drama that has come with the show.
Layton posted a snap of himself enjoying a cup of tea in a bubble bath with the caption: "Aaaaannnnd...Relax."
The West End star, who danced with pro dancer Nikita Kuzmin, has been forced to defend himself for much of the competition amid claims that his stage background meant he had an 'advantage' in the series.
Layton admitted he was confused by the backlash as he isn't the first star on the show to have a performing background.
He told MailOnline: "Obviously, I was aware of the fact that it might have noise, but I definitely did not anticipate how much it has been because I am definitely not the first person to be in this position and I don't understand why it's shock horror news because I'm not the first and won't be the last, let's keep it moving, you know?"
"From the very beginning, I've been like, cool, if people are going to expect a certain level, let's give them that and then some."
Layton and Bobby Brazier both pulled out all the stops in a stunning final last night, but in the end, it wasn't enough to beat Coronation Street star Ellie.
In an emotional comment after winning, Ellie paid tribute to her pro partner Vito Coppola.
Ola and James Jordan detail how weight loss has reignited their sex life
"He has changed my life," she said between tears.
"I don't think words can really describe how much he means to me."
Fans also noticed Ellie whispered a sweet four-word message to Vito after they took the top spot.
Pointed at the Glitterball Trophy, she whispered to him: "This is for you."
The touching words left the Italian pro emotional and he responded: "I mean this is like the cherry on the cake, all the bruises and blisters, you have been so amazing, you are Strictly.
"You represent Strictly. You are the diamond, you are shining."
