Strictly Come Dancing professional Kai Widdrington was taken to hospital after falling ill, forcing him to miss the Saturday, November 14 live show. The BBC confirmed on Friday, November 13, that he would be unable to dance with celebrity partner Delta Goodrem, with fellow professional Aljaž Škorjanec stepping in.
Hospital Visit and Recovery
During the live show, Delta confirmed that Kai had been taken to hospital after becoming unwell on Friday. Kai later broke his silence, sharing an Instagram Story of himself watching the broadcast from home. In the clip, he could be heard cheering "Let's go, let's go," before adding "Yes! They did brilliantly" after watching Delta and Aljaž's routine.
Host Josh Widdicombe explained the situation to viewers, saying: "Our next star on the dance floor is Delta Goodrem, who has had quite the week." Emma Willis added: "On Monday, she and Kai celebrated her birthday and began training for a brand-new routine." Josh continued: "However, yesterday in rehearsals, Kai became unwell, and on the advice of our medical team, he was sent home to rest."
Aljaž Steps In
Emma noted: "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 appeared visibly emotional in the VT, saying: "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."
Despite the setback, Delta and Aljaž impressed the judges with their Argentine Tango, earning three 9s and an 8. Shirley confirmed that Delta had trained with three different partners during the week.
Delta's Tribute and Fan Reactions
Speaking to Johannes Radebe, Delta 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." Turning to Aljaž, 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."
Fans took to social media to send best wishes to Kai, with some expressing concern about whether Aljaž would remain for the rest of the series. One user on X wrote: "Shame for Kai - get well soon, but what a treat to watch the wonderful Aljăz dance the #ArgentineTango with Delta." Another posted: "Omg is Kai actually okay? Sounds like he's in hospital? Maybe it'll be Delta and Aljaž the rest of the series?"
Strictly Come Dancing is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
