Entertainment
Layton Williams cringes when people shout f-word slur from Fairytale Of New York in the pub-Andrew Williams-Entertainment – Metro
The Bad Education actor says it ‘does his head in’ to hear the lyric being shouted.
Layton Williams talks Christmas with Metro (Picture: The Other Richard)
Layton Williams, 28, came to fame playing the title role in the West End production of Billy Elliot The Musical, and has also played the lead in Everybody’s Talking About Jamie. He can be seen playing Stephen Carmichael in the Bad Education Christmas special this week.
Lots of decorations or do you keep things minimal?
I like to keep things chic and selective. All my baubles on the tree don’t match but they speak to each other. I bought some of those big paper baubles you hang from the ceiling, they look really cute. I’ve got an Anna Wintour bauble on the top and a Karl Lagerfeld bauble.
Favourite Christmas song?
Destiny’s Child’s 8 Days Of Christmas. It’s so camp and ridiculous. They’re running around dressed as hot Miss Santa Clauses being fabulous singing about ‘my baby has given me all of these luxurious presents.’ It’s hilarious.
Christmas music pet hates?
Fairytale Of New York does my head in a little bit. It’s got the F word in it and I cringe a bit when people are screaming it in the pub.
Layton like himself a bit of Destiny’s Child for Christmas (Picture: Matt Baron/BEI/Shutterstock)
Best Christmas present?
When I was 13 my mum got me a full set of Luis Vuitton luggage which was a big shock. We’re not from money, I grew up on a council estate, so I thought, ‘Wow, she must have really saved up this year!’ Fast forward a few months and the bags were going green.
I marched into the store in London and kicked up a fuss only to be told they were all complete fakes. So it went from being my best Christmas present to my worst.
Just after I got the luggage I went on my first flight from Manchester to London, I’d never flown before so it was a massive deal for me to sit there making sure my bags were looking cute, because I’d just come down to start in Billy Elliot.
I got my use out of them hence they turned green.
Layton with his cast-mates in Bad Education (Picture: BBC/Tiger Aspect Productions)
Did you ever ask for a present that you never received?
I asked for dolls and didn’t get them. One year my stepmum sneaked me a Little Mermaid doll which I played with in the bath and hid from everyone. I don’t know why we hid it, I’m sure everyone was aware I was a little gay boy, but in those days it was strange to see a boy running around with a Barbie. Now I own a full set of Spice Girls dolls.
Do you have turkey?
I am the annoying vegan at Christmas. I’m going to my nan’s for Christmas and she’s going to do me a vegan Wellington.
We always go to my grandparents – it’s the ultimate destination. My granddad does little side plates of food for me he says he hasn’t put milk and butter in. I hate being a pain. Sometimes ignorance is bliss – just put it on my plate.
What would Christmas dinner not be complete without?
Stuffing and sprouts. I’m obsessed with stuffing. I ask my nan to make extra just for me – I’ll have it in sandwiches later. And I think the bog-standard stuffing is vegan anyway.
Layton loves spending time with family and friends over the festive period (Picture: Dave Benett)
What do you like most (and least) about Christmas?
I like coming together with family and friends. It’s just a jolly time. I like the spirit of Christmas – just opening a bottle and having a chat and letting your hair down. The thing I like least is being cold – I don’t like the winter.
Were you in a nativity?
I’m sure I was but I’ve blocked it out as clearly I didn’t get to play Joseph which I would have remembered. I must have been so traumatised to play a shepherd, or whatever I was cast as, I can’t recall it. I must have eradicated it from my brain. I got my moment eventually…
Layton likes a bit of a cathartic blub at Love Actually (Picture: Moviestore/Shutterstock)
Favourite Christmas films?
Home Alone, it’s about the nostalgia of loving it as a kid, and Love Actually because I have a good cry and let it all out.
Christmas or New Year’s Eve?
I love New Year. To have all your best friends in one place bringing in the New Year together is really special. And everyone always makes an effort to be together.
What was your worst New Year’s Day hangover?
Years ago, I was playing the Cat in Dick Whittington. I thought ‘It’s New Year’s Eve, I’m going out and having a good time.’ Then I had to be in work at 12 the next day, doing two shows, singing songs and doing back flips with the worst hangover of my life. I was young and naïve.
Bad Education: Reunion is on BBC Three on December 15
MORE : The Muppet Christmas Carol at 30: 5 moments that prove it’s the best Charles Dickens adaptation
Entertainment – MetroRead More
