NEED TO KNOW
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Leighton Williams has been nominated for a 2026 Tony Award for his Broadway debut in the acclaimed musical «Titanic.
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The actor told PEOPLE that his energetic performance, which included a split, initially caused damage to the St. James Theatre stage.
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Williams credits her boyfriend Harper James for his support throughout his Broadway journey and Tony Award win.
Leighton Williams gives new meaning to the term 'breakthrough'.
The British native was nominated for a 2026 Tony Award for his Broadway debut in the hit musical «Titanic» . But his performance also drew unexpected reviews from stagehands at New York's St. James Theatre.
At the end of the comedy, which reimagines the film's plot «Titanic» In 1997, if Celine Dion were on board, Williams appears in a Tina Turner-inspired costume—the personification of the iceberg that sank the ship. Dressed in full feminine attire—high heels, a short, sparkling, mirrored dress, and an icy blue wig—the actor performs Turner's classic 1966 song "River Deep, Mountain High," finishing with a dramatic split.
The stunt originally involved a running start from the back of the stage and a jump from an elevated platform. However, it turned out that the theater floor needed repairs afterward.
«"I actually got into trouble quite a lot," Williams, 31, tells PEOPLE with a laugh.
«"After the show, people constantly come up to me and complain, and I say, 'Stop it. You're trying to make it seem like my problem, but it's your problem!'" he adds. "'I'm not a big girl. The stage has to support me, so it's not my fault the floor can't!'"„
The audience, of course, isn't complaining. Night after night, Williams brings the St. James crowd to its feet with his powerful vocals, virtuoso dance skills, and incredible charisma, which explains why Broadway audiences have fallen so quickly in love with him.
Leighton Williams attends the 2026 Tony Awards Meet the Nominees event on May 14, 2026. Photo: Jenny Anderson/Getty
It's the kind of star-studded performance that seems tailor-made for Broadway—even though Williams has been proving her talent on stage for nearly two decades.
The actor began performing professionally at the age of 11, when he landed a role in the musical "Billy Elliot"« , and hasn't stopped since. Over the next two decades, he became well known to British audiences thanks to projects such as the BBC comedy «"Bad education", while simultaneously building a successful theatrical career, including productions «Hairspray» , «Rent» , «"Cabaret"» и «"Everyone's talking about Jamie"» .
Williams later captivated the audience by becoming a finalist on the show. «Strictly Come Dancing» , where his fiery numbers and infectious charisma made him a crowd favorite. (His Argentine tango is a must-see.) This was followed by his Olivier Award-winning performance as Iceberg in «Titanic »" in the West End, which paved the way for its move to Broadway.
Leighton Williams poses with his award for Best Supporting Actor in a Musical for 'Titanic' at the 2025 Olivier Awards in London on April 6, 2025. Photo: Alan Chapman/Dave Benett/Getty
The Tony Award nomination suggests he's off to a great start in his career.
«"I've been in this business for almost 20 years, and the opportunity to finally get to Broadway is a huge dream I'm eager to achieve," Williams says. "So I genuinely try to enjoy every moment. Because that's what I came here for.".
He is not ready to leave even after the end of the screenings scheduled for September 20 the musical "Titanic"« on Broadway.
«"This isn't the last time you'll see me. I need to do what I did with Marisha Wallace here," Williams laughs, referring to the American performer who became a star after moving to the UK. "That's what I need to do here.".
Harper James and Leighton Williams in December 2024. Photo: Dave Benett/Getty
The difficulty is that his loved ones are so far away, including his mother and his boyfriend, digital personality Harper James, whom he has been dating for almost three years. .
Both will be in the US next month to attend the Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall, even if strict crowd restrictions require a little choreography.
«"My boyfriend will sit with me in the first act, and then they'll switch places in the second because only one companion is allowed," he says. "We'll have a great time.".
Leighton Williams attends the premiere of the Broadway musical "Titanic" at the St. James Theatre on April 12, 2026, in New York City. Photo: Valerie Terranova/WireImage
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For Williams, it's especially important to share this momentous occasion with the people who helped him get there—especially James, who he says has been his "rock" during this transition.
«"I just love how he lets me shine and do what I want," Williams says of her partner. "He doesn't seek the spotlight and just supports me in everything.".
Leighton Williams at a press conference for the Broadway production of "Titanic" in March 2026. Photo: Bruce Glikas/WireImage
The last few months have been incredibly busy for Williams: a Broadway debut, a Tony nomination, and a growing army of American fans. But this has also required one unexpected adaptation.
The actor no longer leaps off the stage to perform that infamous split. These days, the St. James Theatre is treated somewhat more leniently.
«"I've started making the jumps less abrupt to save the stage," he says. "I still give the audience what they want, and the carpenters and I are friends now. So, Broadway, please. We've fixed it.".
Tickets for the musical "Titanic"« Now on sale. The 2026 Tony Awards ceremony will take place at Radio City Music Hall on Sunday, June 7. The show will air live on both coasts on CBS (starting at 8:00 PM ET/5:00 PM PT) and will also be available to stream on Paramount+.
Read the original article on People.