Kai Widdrington fans rage at 'criminal' BBC Strictly decision to bench star as he breaks silence on snub
Kai Widdrington fans are not happy he's been snubbed a celeb partner on Strictly
BBC
Kai Widdrington has been fiercely defended by his fans following BBC Strictly bosses' decision not to give him a celeb partner for the 2024 series.
Widdrington has become a firm fan-favourite since he joined the Strictly cast in 2021, being paired with AJ Odudu, Kaye Adams, and Angela Rippon in his previous three series.
But for the latest series, the 29-year-old - along with Carlos Gu and Lauren Oakley - has been deprived of a celebrity partnership.
Instead, the trio will watch from afar and lend helping hands to the pro group dances.
It's not unusual for certain Strictly pros to be omitted from the couples line-up but this is the first time Widdrington - who recently split from fellow pro Nadiya Bychkova - has had to bite the bullet.
And as such, his fans were outraged to learn he'd missed out, including one who fumed on X: "It is absolutely CRIMINAL that Kai and Carlos don’t have partners this year #Strictly."
Angela Rippon and Kai Widdrington competed on Strictly last year
BBC"Don't get me wrong, I love Aljaz, but what was the point of bringing him back if it means great pros like Kai and Carlos are left without a partner?" a second argued.
"WHERE IS KAI AND HIS PARTNER #Strictly," a third weighed in before a fourth hit out: "I’m still very sad that kai and lauren are partner-less though #strictly."
A fifth opined: "That was a really fun launch show! And lovely dedication to Dave Myers and Robin Windsor at the end.
"I’m really sad that Lauren, Kai and Carlos have been benched though…someone has to be but not necessarily who I would have chosen if I’m honest #Strictly."
And a sixth couldn't mask their fury as they blasted: "It’s an absolute liberty that Carlos and Kai haven’t got a partner this year. Sorry I’m fuming #Strictly." (sic)
Widdrington didn't get a chance to address the snub on the launch show but has spoken out about the omission beforehand.
He told Daily Star this week: "Everyone wants to get a celebrity. Unfortunately it wasn’t my time this series.
"Two boys couldn’t have one this series and sadly I am one of them. Some of us don’t get partners and that’s the way it is.
"Let’s see what happens next year. Hopefully I’ll get one then."
One Strictly star who's no stranger to missing out on celebs is Neil Jones, who's been partnered with Toyah Willcox for the 2024 series.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Kai Widdrington and Nadiya Bychkova recently ended their romantic relationship
GETTYSpeaking at the NTAs to GB News, Jones shed light on what it's like to miss out on a celeb partner when being part of the cast.
"You know, it's one of those things where I love being part of the show so much (that) I always say every time I don't care if it's just the Christmas special with Tillie [Amartey] or having a partner on the main show, it's about being supportive," Jones told the People's Channel.
"We work together so much, we help each other all year round. I just love this show.
"I say to them every time, 'However you need me, you let me know. I'll be there for you'."