Strictly's Kai Widdrington 'will NOT be paired with a celebrity partner in 2024 series' in latest blow to scandal hit BBC show Have YOU got a story? Email [email protected] By Lily Jobson For Mailonline Published: 00:10, 28 August 2024 | Updated: 00:14, 28 August 2024 e-mail View comments Kai Widdrington 'will not be paired with a celebrity partner' in the upcoming 2024 series, according to new reports. The professional dancer, 29 - who was paired with Angela Rippon in the 2023 series - is said to be 'gutted' over the decision made.
The BBC have decided to bench the Strictly star, who split from girlfriend Nadiya Bychkova in June, in the latest blow to the scandal hit show. Although he was confirmed to be returning to the series, Kai has been forced to step down from the competition due to the small amount of female celebrities taking part. He will still take part in the group dances.
In this year's line-up, only six women will compete against nine men - a first in the show's history. Kai Widdrington, 29, 'will not be paired with a celebrity partner' in the upcoming 2024 series, according to new reports The professional dancer - who was paired with Angela Rippon (pictured) in the 2023 series - is said to be 'gutted' over the decision made A source told The Sun: '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.' MailOnline have contacted Kai and Strictly Come Dancing for a comment. The male-heavy line-up follow a flurry of bullying allegations after Amanda Abbington and Zara McDermott spoke about their experiences in rehearsals.
This year, Giovanni Pernice , 33, and Graziano Di Prima were on the receiving end of allegations they had mistreated their celebrity dance partners. Giovanni has vehemently denied any wrongdoing while Graziano, 30, initially confirmed and regretted his actions against Zara. The identities of the contestants competing in series 22 of Strictly, beginning in September, were unveiled from August 5.
It comes after it was confirmed that a verdict on the Giovanni-Amanda Abbington row is expected to be announced within days. But the BBC have decided to bench the Strictly star, who split from girlfriend Nadiya Bychkova (pictured) in June, in the latest blow to the scandal hit show Although he was confirmed to be returning to the series, Kai has been forced to step down from the competition due to the small amount of female celebrities taking part (pictured with Angela last year) This year, Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima were on the receiving end of allegations they had mistreated their celebrity dance partners Giovanni has vehemently denied any wrongdoing while Graziano initially confirmed and regretted his actions against Zara The Strictly scandal erupted when Sherlock actress Amanda quit the show in 2023. She claimed that her dancing partner Giovanni was abusive towards her which led to her later quitting the show.
In July, Graziano was sacked, accused of 'kicking' his celebrity dancing partner Love Island star Zara McDermott during their time together. DIY SOS star Nick Knowles , former footballer Paul Merson and GB hockey sensation Sam Quek are set for new series. Blind comedian Chris McCausland w as the first celeb contestant of the 2024 series, to be unveiled, appearing on This Morning on Monday to announce the news.
They will be joined by JLS star JB Gill, singers Wynne Evans and Toyah Willcox, NHS and TV doctor Punam Krishan. Love Island's Tasha Ghouri, TOWIE's Pete Wicks, EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick, actors Shayne Ward and Sarah Hadland as well as Olympians Montell Douglas and Tom Dean will also join the cast. STRICTLY LINE-UP 2024 Chris McCausland Age: 46 Profession: Comedian Chris says: 'If anybody out there is thinking - How the hell is he going to do that? - then rest assured that I am thinking exactly the same thing.
' Dr. Punam Krishan Age: Unknown Profession: GP and broadcaster Punam says: 'I have watched Strictly every year and it feels extra special that it’s the 20th year, I can’t believe I will be the one getting Strictly-fied.' Toyah Willcox Age: 66 Profession: Singer, actor, presenter Toyah says: 'I'm super excited and love this show.
To be a part of it, the spray tan the glitter. Its a landmark year for me I came a pensioner, Glasto and now I get spray tans.' Pete Wicks Age: 36 Profession: Reality star Pete says: 'Dancing live in front of the nation every Saturday? Absolutely terrifying.
' Shayne Ward Age: 39 Profession: Actor and singer Shayne says: 'I'm no stranger to live TV, but dancing Latin and Ballroom in front of millions is a whole new level.' Tom Dean Age: 24 Profession: Olympic medal winning swimmer Tom says: 'Now I can officially talk about how excited I am to get stuck into something new, meet some brilliant people and get dancing' Nick Knowles Age: 61 Profession: TV presenter Nick says: 'I am going to really go for it I will throw myself at it 100 per cent!' JB Gill Age: 37 Profession: Singer JB says: 'A lot of the ballroom styles are very alien to me - I didn't do those dances growing up. I am not a trained dancer.
' Wynne Evans Age: 52 Profession: Opera singer, presenter Wynne says: 'The stuff I'm nervous about is the ones that involve jumping, I don't really want to do the jive, I'm nervous about that. Tasha Ghouri Age: 25 Profession: Model and reality star Tasha says: 'I’ve been watching the show since I was little – it's a firm Ghouri family favourite - so this is a total dream come true.' Sarah Hadland Age: 53 Profession: Actress Sarah says: 'I feel particularly excited to be part of such an iconic show in its 20th year.
' Jamie Borthwick Age: 30 Profession: EastEnders star Jamie says: 'I had a ball doing the Christmas special, so when I was asked to join it was the easiest yes!' Sam Quek Age: 35 Profession: Former GB hockey player and presenter Sam says: 'I am so relieved it is out there now it has been hard to keep a secret! The rumours were spreading and I had to lie! I am used to dancing on a girls night out but I will give it my all' Paul Merson Age: 56 Profession: Former footballer Paul says: 'I won't worry about it until it starts but when it does I will be nervous - I have only danced three times in my life!' Share or comment on this article: Strictly's Kai Widdrington 'will NOT be paired with a celebrity partner in 2024 series' in latest blow to scandal hit BBC show e-mail Add comment.
