Strictly Come Dancing fans are convinced they have worked out the 'real reason' pro dancer Kai Widdrington didn't get a celebrity partner this series. Last night's launch show revealed the pro dancer will be 'benched' this time around - despite making to Blackpool last year with TV legend Angela Rippon. Kai is one of three pros who have missed out on a partner this series, with Carlos Gu and Lauren Oakley also going without. All three will still participate in the group routines and feature each week on the show. But fans have taken to internet forums to discuss Kai's omission, and believe it may have something to do with fellow pro Neil Jones. Neil was famous for regularly not getting a celebrity partner, and even joked about it on last night's launch show. He showed a snap of his baby daughter Havana wearing a babygro with the slogan 'My daddy FINALLY got a partner'. And ardent viewers believe Kai was moved aside this year so Neil could get a partner, as they believe that, at 41 years old, this could be his last series.
One wrote on digital spy's forum dedicated to the show: " I think this could be Neil's swansong if the BBC does have a clear out of the pros."
Another agreed, adding: "I did say that a possible reason they gave him a partner this year is as a way to send him off. Unless he was planning on leaving already."
The show’s back this week with a new lineup of stars ready to take on the ballroom dance floor, but some pro dancers, like Kai, Carlos Gu, and Lauren Oakley, are missing out on partners. Kai has been a fan favourite since joining the series in 2021 and had a successful stint last year when he was paired with veteran broadcaster Angela Rippon. However, he won’t be taking part in the competition this year. Fans are now speculating that Neil Jones might be the reason behind this, as it could be his last season on the show.
Taking to Digital Spy’s forum page, one person theorised: "I think this could be Neil's swansong if the BBC does have a clear out of the pros."
Another agreed, adding: "I did say that a possible reason they gave him a partner this year is as a way to send him off. Unless he was planning on leaving already."
Neil, who isn’t always featured on the show, has recently celebrated being paired with singer and actress Toyah Wilcox. Discussing the pairing, one person said: "I'm not surprised that Neil has been put together with Toyah as she seems to want to go the comedy route and Neil might work for that."
A second person, weighing in said: "Yeah I get the impression Neil is one of the more unserious pros so I think it could work too."
Last year, he welcomed his daughter Havana with his fiancé and Love Island star Chyna Mills. Neil also shared his excitement on Instagram, posting a photo of his little one wearing a babygro that reads, “My daddy FINALLY got a partner.”
It comes as Kai opened up about being left without a partner, telling the Daily Star: "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."
"Some of us don’t get partners and that’s the way it is. Let’s see what happens next year. Hopefully I’ll get one then.”
Although Kai has always had a partner in previous seasons, his ex-girlfriend and fellow pro Nadiya Bychkova was left without a partner last year. At the time, Nadiya voiced her own disappointment about the situation.
She said: "I’m sure you’ll understand that I'm disappointed not to be partnered with a celebrity on @bbcstrictly this series."
She continued: "It is an amazing show to be a part of and I’m still so excited for all the group numbers, performing with some of our music acts and much much more."
"I’m also looking forward to supporting my fellow pros and I want to wish all the couples the best of luck for the competition this year."
Kai's Reaction to Being Benched
Kai Widdrington has broken his silence after being "axed" from the main line-up of the 2024 series of Strictly Come Dancing. The professional dancer failed to be paired with a celebrity contestant, meaning he will only appear in group performances. Expressing his feelings, he said: "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 added: "Some of us don't get partners and that's the way it is. Let's see what happens next year. Hopefully, I'll get one then."
"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."
Is This Neil's Swansong?
A third believed another reason for Neil getting a partner over Kai was because he was a better fit for Toyah Willcox, who he was paired with.
They theorised: "I'm not surprised that Neil has been put together with Toyah as she seems to want to go the comedy route and Neil might work for that."
A fourth agreed, weighing in: "Yeah I get the impression Neil is one of the more unserious pros so I think it could work too."
While Kai has not missed out on a partner before, his ex girlfriend and fellow show pro Nadiya Bychkova was left on the subs bench last year. At the time, Nadiya expressed her own disappointment. Following the first episode of the last series, Nadiya told fans: “I’m sure you’ll understand that I'm disappointed not to be partnered with a celebrity on @bbcstrictly this series.”
She continued: “It is an amazing show to be a part of and I’m still so excited for all the group numbers, performing with some of our music acts and much much more.
“I’m also looking forward to supporting my fellow pros and I want to wish all the couples the best of luck for the competition this year.”
At the time, then- boyfriend Kai supported her, commenting: “Always shining bright.”
The pair split back in July after two years together.
The Real Reason Behind the Snub?
Only time will tell if the rumors about Neil's potential departure are true, but one thing is for sure – the drama surrounding Kai’s “benching” has certainly added an extra layer of intrigue to this season of Strictly Come Dancing. As the show progresses, fans will be watching closely to see if there are any clues about Neil’s future on the show and whether Kai will get a chance to dance with a celebrity partner next year.
