BBC Strictly star Kai Widdrington breaks silence for first time after 'split' from co-star Nadiya Bychkova
Nadiya Bychkova and Kai Widdrington were together for two years
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Strictly Come Dancing professionals Kai Widdrington and Nadiya Bychkova have reportedly called time on their two-year relationship after falling for one another on the BBC series.
The couple reportedly decided to mutually separate after their relationship came under strain due to the pressures of touring together.
As well as competing on Strictly Come Dancing from September to December, the couple also embarked on the Strictly tour as well as their own sell-out show Behind the Magic.
According to the MailOnline, the split was "amicable" and they will continue to work together professionally.
An insider told The Sun: "It's heartbreaking. Kai and Nadiya seemed like the most perfect couple and have been so, so blissfully in love. But the pressures of touring - being in each other's space 24/7, and the stress of performing a sell-out show eventually took its toll.
"After a tough few weeks, they sat down together and decided to call it quits. They remain incredibly close and are determined their split will not have any impact on the next series of Strictly - they remain consummate professionals, and nothing will change that."
The split doesn't seem to have stopped Widdrington from fulfilling his work duties, as he posted an image alongside former celebrity competitor Angela Rippon on his Instagram today after reports of their split emerged.
Posting a montage of images, he broke his silence following news of the split to say: "Thank you to Mr speaker for the invitation to the state opening of parliament. Swipe right to see @theangelarippon's delight at the amount of beautiful kings horses there were."
Last year, Widdrington and Rippon made it to the Blackpool Tower Ballroom special before being eliminated - with Rippon making show history by becoming Strictly's oldest contestant.
The Rip Off Britain presenter and Widdrington have kept in touch since leaving the programme, and often post with one another on their social media.
Nadiya Bychkova and Kai Widdrington have been on their tour for the last couple of months
Most recently, Rippon gave an insight into her family life and shared the news of a new addition to her extended family - leaving fans thrilled.
Posting three images of herself and a baby on Instagram, she captioned the images: "Meet Olive. The latest and most beautiful addition to my extended family. She has the sunniest smile that lights up the most dismal of days."
Fans flocked to the comment section of the post to wish the family congratulations, with one asking what the relation was between herself and the adorable baby.
Rippon explained: "She is the daughter of two of my dearest friends. I shall be teaching her to call me Aunty Ange as soon as we get past the gurgling stage. AR!" (sic)
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Angela Rippon and Kai Widdrington were eliminated in Blackpool week
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Widdrington was recently announced to be returning to Strictly Come Dancing in the official line-up alongside Vito Coppola, Nikita Kuzmin, Gorka Marquez, Johannes Radebe, Neil Jones, Carlos Gu and Aljaz Skorjanec.
For the ladies, Dianne Buswell, Lauren Oakley, Luba Mushtuk, Katya Jones, Karen Hauer, Nanxy Xu, Jowita Przystal and Amy Dowden are all taking to the dancefloor once again.