Kai Widdrington has said he is “on the mend” and confirmed he will return to Strictly Come Dancing next week after being taken to hospital.
The professional dancer, 31, missed this weekend’s shows because of illness. Fellow professional Aljaz Skorjanec danced the Argentine tango with Widdrington’s partner, Australian singer Delta Goodrem, on Saturday’s live episode of the BBC programme.
Hospital visit and recovery
Widdrington posted an update on social media, saying he was taken to hospital after becoming unwell. He said: “I’ve been a bit unwell, I had to go to hospital but the good news is I’m on the mend. And the main thing is I’m back this week and I’m back for the rest of the season.”
The dancer thanked those who looked after him, including the paramedics, hospital staff and his girlfriend. He added: “The main thing is that I will be back next week and we are in Blackpool. I can’t wait to go there with my wonderful dance partner Delta. We will be training all week and we are going to be heading up there in the week and I can’t wait.”
Thanks to Aljaz and Delta
Widdrington thanked Aljaz for stepping in at short notice, saying: “First of all I just want to say a massive, massive thank you to Aljaz for stepping in last night at quite literally the last minute. I was on my way to hospital and he got the call at like 5.30 on Friday and came in and rehearsed with Delta until the evening and again in the morning. I can’t thank him enough – he did such an amazing job and absolutely smashed the dance.”
He also praised Delta, saying: “Dancing with someone new in the space of 24 hours is absolutely unheard of in this show and also to do an Argentine tango to that level – I was gleaming with pride and extremely proud watching from home. So, well done.”
Reactions and leaderboard
Social media personality John Nellis, who is competing on the current season of Strictly, commented: “He’s back, absolute machine.” Former Strictly dancer Oti Mabuse wrote: “Get better soon.” Vicky Pattison, who competed with him on Strictly last year, added: “Jesus mate, you had us all scared for a second! Great to hear you’re on the mend!”
Goodrem finished second on the leaderboard this week, with a score of 35. Judge Motsi Mabuse said: “Dancing with a partner always needs a connection and time to get used to somebody and to get a partner at the last minute, a beautiful partner and one of the best I must say, to actually have that energy between the two of you and atmosphere and balance and musicality at the last minute – I rate you so highly for that.” Anton Du Beke added that their dance was “beautiful to watch”, and Craig Revel Horwood called it “superb”.
Announcing Widdrington’s absence on Friday’s episode of Strictly sister show It Takes Two, presenter Ellie Taylor said: “Due to illness, Kai is unable to perform on tomorrow night’s show. Instead Aljaz will step in to dance the Argentine tango with Delta. Kai we are sending you so much love, feel better soon.”
