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Strictly Come Dancing fans have claimed they know the ‘real reason’ why Kai Widdrington wasn’t paired with a celebrity partner this year.
It was revealed during Saturday’s launch show that the dancer, who was paired with Angela Rippon for the 2023 run and made it to Blackpool, will be on the bench.
Professional dancers Carlos Gu and Lauren Oakley also miss out on a celebrity combination and only participate in the group numbers.
But after the first show, Strictly fans think that decision may have been made by fellow pro Neil Jones.
Despite appearing on the show since 2016, Neil, 41, became famous for almost never getting a partnerand fans now believe that Kai was pushed aside to give Neil a chance to shine, as this could be his final season.
Strictly Come Dancing fans have claimed they know the ‘real reason’ Kai Widdrington wasn’t paired with a celebrity partner this year
Many believe it’s down to fellow pro Neil Jones, who has been linked to 80s legend Toya Wilcox
Fans on Digital Spy’s forum, which is dedicated to the dance show, had the following theory: ‘I think this could be Neil’s swansong if the BBC beats the pros.’
“I did say that one possible reason they gave him a partner this year was to send him away. Unless he was already planning on leaving.”
‘It’s a bit of a shame to see Kai and Lauren on the sofa, maybe the celebrities just didn’t click? I’m not surprised Neil got paired with Toyah as she seems to want to go the comedy route and Neil could work for that.’
This comes after Kai opened up about his time on the show earlier this week.
He told the Daily star: ‘Everyone wants a celebrity. Unfortunately, it wasn’t my time for this show. Two boys couldn’t have one in this show and unfortunately, I’m one of them.
‘Some of us can’t find a partner and that’s just the way it is.
“Let’s see what happens next year. Hopefully I’ll get one then.”
This year, for the first time in the show’s history, only six women will compete against nine men.
Despite Kai being a fan favourite and having hit Blackpool with TV legend Angela Rippon, 78, he will only be appearing in a group performance this year (pictured here with Angela who showed off her incredible flexibility as she stretched her leg above her head during her first live performance)
Fans now believe that Kai was pushed aside to give Neil time to shine as this could be his final series, while others believe he was ‘a better fit for Toya’
Some theorized that Toyah wanted to go the comedy route and felt Neil would be a better fit
On Digital Spy’s forum dedicated to the dance show, some fans gave their opinions on why Kai was ‘snobbed’
Earlier this week, Kai spoke candidly about the show that kicked off on Saturday, explaining that two guys in the series couldn’t have a partner and that he was unfortunately one of them.
This year’s line-up will feature just six women competing against nine men – a first in the show’s history
The formation of the group, which is predominantly male, follows a series of allegations of bullying after Amanda Abbington and Zara McDermott spoke out about their experiences during rehearsals.
This year, Giovanni Pernice33, and Graziano Di Prima were accused of mistreating their famous dance partners.
Giovanni strongly denies any wrongdoing, while Graziano, 30, initially confirmed his actions against Zara and regretted them.
The identities of the contestants on season 22 of Strictly, which begins in September, were revealed on August 5.
This comes after it was confirmed that a verdict will be given in the Giovanni-Amanda Abbington case within days.
The Strictly scandal broke when Sherlock actress Amanda quit the series in 2023.
She alleged that her dance partner Giovanni abused her, which led to her later leaving the show.
In July, Graziano was fired after accusing him of “kicking” his famous dance partner, Love Island star Zara McDermott, during their relationship.
STRICT LINE-UP 2024
Chris McCausland
Age: 46
Occupation: Comedian
Chris says, “If there’s anyone out there who’s thinking, ‘How on earth is he going to do that?’ – I’m sure I’m thinking exactly the same thing.”
Doctor Punam Krishan
Age: Unknown
Occupation: general practitioner and announcer
Punam says: ‘I’ve watched Strictly every year and it feels extra special that this is the 20th year. I can’t believe I’m the one getting Strictly-fied.’
Toyah Willcox
Age: 66
Occupation: Singer, actor, presenter
Toyah says: ‘I’m super excited and loving this show. To be a part of it, the spray tan, the glitter. It’s a milestone year for me, I came in as a pensioner, Glasto and now I’m getting spray tans.’
Peter Wicks
Age: 36
Occupation: Reality star
Pete says: ‘Dancing live for the people every Saturday? Really scary.’
Shayne Department
Age: 39
Occupation: Actor and singer
Shayne says: ‘I’m no stranger to live TV, but Latin and Ballroom dancing in front of millions of people is a whole new level.’
Tom Dean
Age: 24
Occupation: Olympic medal-winning swimmer
Tom says: ‘Now I can officially say how excited I am to start something new, meet some brilliant people and go dancing’
Nick Kennes
Age: 61
Occupation: TV presenter
Nick says, ‘I’m going all in, I’m going for it 100 percent!’
Montell Douglas
Age: 38
Occupation: Former Team GB Olympian and current Gladiator
Montell says, “Hopefully some of my Gladiator moves will come in handy in the Tango or Paso Doble!”
JB Gill
Age: 37
Occupation: Singer
JB says, “A lot of the ballroom styles are very foreign to me — I didn’t do those dances growing up. I’m not a trained dancer.”
Wynne Evans
Age: 52
Occupation: Opera singer, presenter
Wynne says, “What I’m nervous about is the things that involve jumping. I don’t necessarily want to do the jive, I’m nervous about that.
Tasha Ghouri
Age: 25
Occupation: Model and reality star
Tasha says: ‘I’ve been watching the show since I was little. It’s a real Ghouri family favourite. So this is a dream come true.’
Sarah Hadland
Age: 53
Occupation: Actress
Sarah says: ‘I’m absolutely thrilled to be part of such an iconic show that’s been around for 20 years.’
Jamie Borthwick
Age: 30
Occupation: EastEnders star
Jamie says: ‘I had a great time doing the Christmas special so when I was asked to join in it was a no brainer!’
Sam Quek
Age: 35
Occupation: Former GB hockey player and presenter
Sam says: ‘I’m so relieved it’s out now, it was hard keeping it a secret! The rumours got out and I had to lie! I’m used to dancing on a girls night out but I’m going to give it my all’
Paul Merson
Age: 56
Occupation: Former footballer
Paul says: ‘I only worry about it when it starts, but once it happens I get nervous. After all, I’ve only danced three times in my life!’
