A POPULAR Strictly Come Dancing star is an ambassador for Flintshire's Theatr Clwyd after it kick-started his career.

Layton Williams is impressing the nation and judges every week on our screens as Strictly Come Dancing's breath of fresh air.

Yet, Flintshire residents are surprised to find out that he started his successful career in the arts right on their doorstep.

As a proud ambassador for Mold's Theatr Clwyd, Layton began his first 'adult' musical theatre role whilst playing the character Angel in RENT back in October 2016.

He said: "I adore the work Tamara and the team at Theatr Clwyd create and I'm so excited to return soon to see the redevelopment of the Theatre.

"Playing Angel in RENT was the beginning of an exciting rollercoaster ride for me and many others in the cast. It's so important to support the arts, especially during these times, so creatives can have a space to surprise themselves and entertain regional audiences.

"They too deserve 5* shows, not just the West End!"

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Layton and his Strictly professional partner Nikita dazzled the audience with their brilliant Salsa on Saturday night, receiving a score of 39 in week five for the first time in 13 years.

They might have secured the top spot on the leaderboard for the third week running this weekend, but Layton will always be grateful for his roots and connection to Mold.

You can catch him alongside the rest of the cast every Saturday evening on BBC1.