Professional dancer Kai Widdrington has spoken about his relationship with fellow Strictly star Nadiya Bychkova, describing it as a 'blessing' from the show. The couple, who went public with their romance last April, are now preparing for a 36-date national tour titled Once Upon A Time.
Nadiya, 33, who has a six-year-old daughter Mila from a previous relationship, said the tour is a personal project. 'My mum is making all my dresses. It’s so exciting,' she said. The show will feature three ballroom and three Latin couples, as well as a singer, and will include behind-the-scenes footage of the couple's life.
Kai, 27, said he was initially drawn to Nadiya when he joined the Strictly professional troupe in 2021. 'I thought she was absolutely stunning,' he recalled. However, it took four years for their friendship to develop into romance. 'When we danced together for the first time, that was like the nail in the coffin. Our fate was sealed,' he added.
Nadiya emphasised the importance of her daughter, saying Mila is 'the most important thing in my life'. She acknowledged the challenges of balancing motherhood with her career, noting that on tour days off, she travels back to London to spend time with Mila. Kai, who has a close bond with Mila, said she calls him 'Kai Lemon Pie'.
The couple initially tried to keep their relationship private but faced media attention. 'We wanted to keep it to ourselves as long as we could,' Kai said, but paparazzi eventually camped outside Nadiya's flat. Despite the scrutiny, they remain focused on their tour and future together.
