Strictly 2023: Charleston Charm could throw lifeline for Layton

As the dance floor heats up on Strictly Come Dancing ahead of this weekend’s semi-finals, a captivating trend has emerged that might just hold the key to success for this season’s contestants.

An analysis of the dance choices in previous semi-finals over the past half-decade of the beloved BBC competition reveals a fascinating connection amongst the majority of them – the Charleston.

In a surprising revelation, three out of the previous five Strictly champions performed a Charleston routine in their respective semi-final rounds, suggesting the South Carolinian dance could hold a glimmer of hope for Layton Williams ahead of this weekend:

The Charleston is renowned for its upbeat and lively nature, filled with energetic kicks and flicks, and has clearly become a lucky charm for those semi-finalists who decide to take on its technical precision and physical demands.

The notable beneficiaries of the charm of the Charleston include last year’s winner Hamza Yassin, who scored 39 points alongside partner Jowita Przystał in his first dance of the semi-finals before going onto win the series.

Bill Bailey also grooved to the South Carolinian jig in the series 18 semi-finals – receiving 25 out of 30 points en route to lifting the 2020 Glitterball Trophy – while series 16 winner Stacey Dooley likewise performed the dance in her semi-final appearance.

The trend holds Layton Williams in good stead ahead of the upcoming semi-finals and grand final over the next fortnight. Layton scored the first Perfect 40 of the series last week but remains a big 12/1 shot to win the show, with Ellie Leach the firm 1/5 favourite.

Could Layton’s chance on the Charleston provide him with a much-needed boost to re-impose himself in the outright winner market?