HE was a front runner to take out Strictly 2021 with dance partner AJ Odudu.
But after a devastating injury forced the TV presenter to withdraw form the competition, Kai Widdrington has also lost his shot at the Glitterball Trophy too.
Who is Kai Widdrington?
Kai Widdrington is a 25-year-old English dancer and choreographer who took up dancing aged 9.
By the time he was 14, he became the 2010 World Junior Latin-American champion.
In 2012 when Kai was only 16, he reached the final of the sixth series of Britain’s Got Talent.
He worked as a professional dancer on Dancing With The Stars Ireland and finished twice as runner-up on the show in 2018 and 2020.
His move to the UK version of the dancing competition came as DWTS Ireland 2021 was axed due to rising Covid figures.
He partnered model Grainne Gallanagh in 2020, but hit the headlines as he became part of the first all-male dance pairing on the Irish show in week six, partnering Big Brother star Brian Dowling.
He was announced as one of four new Strictly professional dancers in July 2021.
When did Kai join Strictly Come Dancing?
Kai said competing on Strictly is a childhood dream come true.
He said: “Watching Strictly from the very first series as a young boy from Southampton and now 18 years later, to be a professional dancer on the show is the most amazing feeling and the biggest accomplishment of my career.
“I can’t wait to step on to the Strictly floor and experience the exciting times that lie ahead.”
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Is Kai married?
Kai isn’t married and has been struck by the Strictly curse.
In 2016, he began a relationship with professional dancer and fellow Dancing With The Stars dancer, Giulia Dotta.
The couple however split before Kai could even make his debut in Strictly Come Dancing, after a five-year relationship.
It is believed the pair parted ways several months before making their announcement.
A spokesperson for Giulia confirmed the news in July 2021.
Reasons for their breakup are yet to be revealed.
Kai is now said to be living with Strictly hunk Giovanni Pernice.
How do I find Kai on Instagram?
Kai is an avid user on Instagram and ahead of the 2021 Strictly launch show boasts more than 31,000 followers.
His feed is bound to feature lots of behind-the-scenes pictures and videos as he is set to step into the Strictly ballroom for the first time.
You can follow him on @kaiwidd.