Strictly Come Dancing professional Kai Widdrington has spoken out after being forced to miss Saturday night's live show, with his celebrity partner Delta Goodrem dancing with a replacement. It was confirmed on Friday (November 13) that Kai would be unable to perform with the Australian singer this weekend after falling ill during rehearsals. The pair had been preparing an Argentine Tango to Missing by Everything But The Girl.
Replacement dancer steps in
Delta and Kai have already faced disruption during this year's competition after the singer suffered a painful rib injury, which previously forced them to sit out a week of the series. Following Kai's latest absence, fellow professional Aljaž Škorjanec was asked to step in and take his place. Aljaž was eliminated from the competition last month alongside his celebrity partner, Gavin & Stacey actress Melanie West, but returned to the ballroom to help Delta prepare for her latest performance.
The change was announced by Ellie Taylor during Friday's edition of It Takes Two. She told viewers: "First some news just in, 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."
Strictly also shared an update with fans on its official social media accounts, confirming the professional dancer would be sitting out the weekend's performance. The statement read: "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. We're sending Kai all our love and hope he feels better soon."
Delta's emotional week
As Saturday night's programme got underway, presenters Josh Widdicombe and Emma Willis explained the circumstances behind the unexpected partnership. Josh told viewers: "Our next star on the dance floor is Delta Goodrem, who has had quite the week." Emma revealed that Delta and Kai had initially been looking forward to the weekend after celebrating her birthday together on Monday. However, things took an unexpected turn during rehearsals. Josh explained: "However, yesterday in rehearsals, Kai became unwell, and on the advice of our medical team, he was sent home to rest." Emma added: "So, Aljaž has very kindly stepped in, and after just a few hours of rehearsing together, they are ready to dance with an Argentine Tango."
Delta also spoke about the difficult situation in a behind-the-scenes video, admitting she had been left upset by Kai's sudden illness and the need to learn a new routine with someone else at short notice. She said: "Today's been crazy. Kai's been taken ill and sadly, he won't be dancing this weekend. Aljaž is stepping in and we have a couple of hours to learn the routine. It's heartbreaking, but I know I'm in good hands."
Performance and recovery
Despite having limited time to prepare together, Delta and Aljaž delivered an impressive Argentine Tango, earning three nines and an eight from the judging panel. During her feedback, head judge Shirley Ballas also acknowledged the difficulties Delta had faced throughout the week, having worked with three different dance partners during training. Speaking to Johannes Radebe while waiting for her scores, Delta revealed that Kai had been taken to hospital after becoming unwell on Friday. She said: "So, it was an extremely crazy week. Obviously, we're so sad that Kai got so unwell yesterday, and he had to go to the hospital. So, we're both sending him so much love watching tonight. I'm so proud of my dance partner and, no doubt, he'll be strong and come back."
Delta was also keen to praise Aljaž for stepping in at such short notice, admitting she had been grateful to have him by her side during the performance. She added: "I'm in such amazing hands, obviously with Aljaž being so incredible, and such an inspiration. I couldn't believe late last night, the way he just jumped straight in and I was like, 'Wow, it really is different,' but he's so incredible that I felt very much in safe hands. [I'm] so honoured to dance with you." Kai has since returned home and appeared to be following the live show from the comfort of his own home. In a video shared on his Instagram Story, the professional dancer could be heard cheering as he watched his replacement and celebrity partner take to the floor. He initially shouted: "Let's go, let's go," before later sharing his reaction to their performance, adding: "Yes! They did brilliantly."
