Kai Widdrington could be forced to drop out of the remainder of the 2026 season of Strictly Come Dancing due to illness, it has been reported. The 31-year-old dance professional had been paired with Australian singing sensation Delta Goodrem for the current season of the long-running BBC show.
But on Saturday night, illness forced him out of the show - and he was replaced by dancer Aljaz Skorjanec, who stepped in to dance with 42-year-old Delta instead. Now it has been suggested that Kai's mystery illness could force him to miss the remaining weeks of the series - scuppering his hopes of lifting the glitterball trophy alongside this year's favourite Delta.
Delta's emotional tribute after 35-point score
After scoring an impressive 35 points after being paired with Aljaz, Delta gushed about her missing original partner in a post-dance interview. She said on the live show: "It was an extremely crazy week. Obviously, we are so sad Kai got so unwell and he had to go to the hospital.
"I am sending him so much love and I'm so proud of my dance partner. No doubt he will be strong. Aljaz was so incredible and such an inspiration. I couldn't believe the way he just jumped in. I felt very much in safe hands."
Sources suggest Kai may be out for the series
But now a report by The Sun has suggested that Kai could be forced out of the remainder of the 2026 competition due to the mystery illness. A source told the publication: "It's been a hell of a week for Delta. On Friday morning it became clear Kai wouldn't be able to continue and the BBC went into emergency mode. Everyone's been feeling the pressure."
A second source added: "The fear he may be out for the series is real. No one can say until next week." When asked to comment, Kai's spokesperson told The Mirror: "He's at home resting and I'm sure the show will be putting out further statements next week."
BBC confirms emergency replacement
Kai's emergency exit from Strictly was first announced on Friday when the BBC confirmed he had been forced to withdraw from the latest episode. A statement released by the broadcaster explained: "Due to illness, Kai is unable to dance on tomorrow night's show. Instead, Aljaz will step in to dance the Argentine Tango with Delta."
The statement added: "We're sending all our love and hope he feels better soon."
On Saturday night, Kai threw his support behind his celebrity dance partner and his professional replacement. Taking to Instagram Stories, he shared clips of Delta and Aljaz dancing on the BBC show alongside messages that he was proud of them both. In an emotional video clip, he appeared to be close to tears as he watched on from home, applauding the duo as he watched them dance on his screen.
Aljaz's season so far and remaining couples
Aljaz had previously been competing during the 2026 season as the professional partner of Gavin & Stacey star Melanie Walters - who played Gwen West on the comedy show. However, the pair did not fare well on the series - becoming the second couple to be booted off the show after failing to impress the judges and the viewing public. The only couple to fare worse in the 2026 season were professional hairdresser Chris Appleton and his dance partner Amy Dowden who were the first to go.
There are still nine couples left on the show - with just a few weeks to go before the grand final. Love Island star Cach Mercer and pro dancer Maddie Ingoldsby performed the best on Saturday night's live show - bagging 39 points from the judges. One couple will be sent home on Sunday night - with the remaining eight couples then set to advance to the live episode filmed in the iconic Blackpool tower ballroom.
