STRICTLY Come Dancing fans have been left outraged as a popular pro has been benched for the 2024 series.
Kai Widdrington joined the BBC hit in 2021, where he has partnered three celebrities to date.
However, lesser amount of women in this year’s line-up means some male dancers will be watching from sidelines.
Unfortunately for his fans, this includes Kai– and they have been posting online to lament the news.
Taking to Reddit, one wrote: “Okay that’s me done watching for the year, only pro I was excited to see.”
Another added: “Oh that sucks. Was rooting for him and Tasha to be paired.”
A third chimed in: “Gosh, between this, and the downsized pro lineup on DWTS, I’m practically hysterical.”
While a fourth remarked: “Baffled by this decision This series is really underwhelming me before it’s even begun.”
A fifth shared: “This is bonkers, Kai is an amazing partner.”
The Sun earlier reported that Kai would be left without a partner for the 2024 series.
A source said: “Kai has become the first casualty of this year’s male-heavy line-up.
“With so few female celebrities it was inevitable that some of the professionals would miss out on a pairing, but it’s a real blow that Kai is one of them.
“He had a great run last series with Angela and is a fan favourite.
“But, just like last year with Nadiya when she wasn’t given a partner, bosses have to look at a number of factors when choosing which dancer to pair with which celebrity.
“They look at everything from height through to chemistry tests to see who will work best together and it’s meant Kai has missed out.
“He will be part of the group dances alongside other males who haven’t been selected this year.”
Who's confirmed for Strictly 2024?
WITH Strictly's 20th anniversary special airing in September, The Sun takes a look at which celebs have been confirmed for the new series:
- EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick.
- Athlete Tom Dean is is a three-time Olympic champion.
- X Factor winner and former Corrie star Shayne Ward.
- Miranda star Sarah Hadland.
- Gladiators star Montell Douglas AKA Fire.
- Football pundit Paul Merson.
- DIY SOS sat Nick Knowles.
- Olympic hero Sam Quek.
- Towie legend Pete Wicks.
- Love Island star Tasha Ghouri.
- Morning Live star Dr Punam Krishan.
- 80s legend and singer Toyah Willcox.
- Opera singer Wynne Evans.
- JLS singer JB Gill.
- Comedian Chris McCausland.
Meanwhile, popular Kai has previously partnered AJ Odudu, Kaye Adams and Angela Rippon.
Altogether, the Strictly 2024 line-up comprises nine male celebrities and six female famous faces.
The roster includes the likes of Nick Knowles, Toyah Willcox, Jamie Borthwick and Chris McCausland – who is the show’s first blind celebrity contestant.
Strictly Come Dancing airs on BBC One.
