Former Strictly Come Dancing star Helen Skelton admitted she was ‘glad’ that pal Kai Widdrington won’t be dancing with a celeb this season.
The presenter, 41, who competed on Strictly back in 2022, caught up with Kai, 29, on BBC Morning Live on Monday where chat got onto Saturday’s launch show.
Helen said: “As we mentioned, it’s the return of the Glitterball! Kai, we said this is your first time with us, I can say this, we’re friends, we saw you’ve not got a partner but we’re glad because it means you can hang out with us all week.”
To which Kai responded: “I’m here, you’ve got me all week, I’m here all week Monday to Friday doing Strictly fitness and yeah, it’s my first time, I can’t wait!”
It comes as Kai shared his sadness over not being partnered with a celebrity for the latest series. He spoke to the Daily Star about only featuring in group dances: “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.” He acknowledged the competitive nature of the pairing process, admitting: “Some of us don’t get partners and that’s the way it is”, reports the Express.
Nevertheless, Kai remains optimistic about the future, stating: “Let’s see what happens next year. Hopefully I’ll get one then.” Despite the news, Kai is excited for the new series which launched on Saturday night. The dancer expressed admiration for this year’s cast, remarking: “The line-up of celebs this year is amazing. It is going to be a fantastic series, as it always is.”
Kai, who has been busy with group routines, hinted at the excitement to come: “We have been filming a lot of the group routines. There are some amazing ones. We have worked really hard through the summer to get them ready for the series. One of the ones I feature in is very funny.”
One Morning Live star who is taking to the dance floor is Dr Punam Krishan, who has been paired with professional dancer Gorka Marquez. Talking ahead of joining the show, the TV doctor said: “This still doesn’t feel real, I am overjoyed to be a contestant on this year’s show.
“I have watched Strictly every year with my family and it feels extra special that it’s the 20th year, I can’t believe I will be the one getting Strictly-fied now. This is so out of my comfort zone, but I’m up for the journey and will give it my absolute all.”
BBC Morning Live airs every weekday at 9:30am on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.