Kai Widdrington speaks out on BBC Strictly future as return to line-up confirmed after being benched last series
Strictly star Kai Widdrington has broken his silence on his future with the popular dancing programme as he has been confirmed to appear on this year’s series.
The 29-year-old dancer and choreographer was not partnered with a celeb contestant during the 2024 series, leading some to claim the fan-favourite had been snubbed.
Despite being relegated to a supporting role during the main series, Widdrington achieved ballroom glory during the Strictly Christmas special.
He received rave reviews from the judges while dancing with the competition’s first drag artist contestant, Tayce, during the festive event.
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“I feel like Michael Buble – I only come out at Christmas!” Widdrington joked while speaking with GB News.com after joining Angela Rippon on The People’s Channel.
Beaming about the show, he explained: “I did very well with the first ever drag queen contestant which was a big, big moment for Strictly and, you know, long may it continue!”
Reflecting on the future of the programme, the dancer celebrated the success of Tayce and main series champion Chris McCausland – the first blind contestant to compete and lift the iconic Glitterball Trophy.
“Anybody can and anybody should do it,” Widdrington insisted in regards to dancing and ultimately taking part in Strictly.
The 29-year-old insisted: “We should be constantly striving for better, to be a better programme, to be more inclusive.”
To that end, Widdrington had nothing but praise for Strictly’s “fantastic” commitment to a diversity of contestants.
He added that “people are investing and engaging with the programme” more as a result.
“There’s a reason why it’s been the number one show for so long. 20 years it’s had and hopefully here’s to 20 more!” he declared.
Last week, the BBC confirmed Widdrington would return alongside 2024 champion Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, Amy Dowden, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, Jowita Przystal, Johannes Radebe, Aljaž Škorjanec, Kai Widdrington, Nancy Xu, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley, Michelle Tsiakkas and Vito Coppola for the 2025 series.
Upon the announcement, Widdrington took to Instagram to share his excitement.
“Thrilled to announce that I’m back on @bbcstrictly for my 5th season this year,” be began alongside a carousel of pics from his time on the show.
“Can’t wait to hit the dance floor again and create more unforgettable moments with the Strictly family! Let the adventure begin! Keeeeep dancing #StrictlyComeDancing #BackAtIt,” the dancer signed off.
The fan-favourite dancer was speaking after appearing on The People’s Channel with Angela Rippon, who became a magnetic duo when they were paired during the 2023 series of Strictly.
Since, the pair have become close friends and have made it their mission to promote dancing around the country.
“Anybody and everybody should dance. That’s mine and Angela’s message, away from our jobs. Our message to the nation is dance. Let’s dance. Because there’s no reason why anybody shouldn’t. Everyone can and should,” Widdrington explained.