Professional dancer Kai Widdrington will not perform on Strictly Come Dancing's live show on Saturday, November 14, after the BBC confirmed he is ill. His celebrity partner, Delta Goodrem, will instead dance the Argentine Tango with Aljaz Skorjanec.
The announcement was made on Strictly's official Instagram, with a statement reading: "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. We're sending Kai all our love and hope he feels better very soon."
It Takes Two confirms the news
Ellie Taylor, host of Strictly's It Takes Two, told BBC audiences at the start of Friday's programme: "First, some news just in, due to illness, Kai is unable to perform on tomorrow night's show. Instead, Aljaz Skorjanec will step in to dance the Argentine Tango with Delta. Kai, we are sending you so much love. Feel better soon."
Kai has not yet commented on his unavailability on his social platforms.
Support from fellow dancers
During the show, Ellie spoke with former professional Luba Mushtuk, who offered guidance to Delta following the late partner change. Mushtuk said: "I think she's in such safe hands with Aljaz. I think the Argentine Tango is all about dancing with your partner because obviously it's all connected; you never have time without your partner. So, I think she's in wonderful hands, and she just needs to let go and go with it. I've danced with him (Aljaz) many times; he's wonderful at leading, so I think it's going to be a beautiful dance."
Ex-contestant Ashley Roberts described Delta as a "trooper", suggesting that if she takes to the dance floor on Saturday evening and allows Aljaz to lead, she'll "nail it". Katie Piper cautioned: "It could derail you because this isn't the person you've built the chemistry up with, so if she doesn't like change, it might be hard. But she's a joy to watch."
Delta's recent setbacks
Delta has impressed judges and audiences throughout the series, but she was forced to sit out Icons Week following a rib injury. According to BBC show regulations, she was granted a one-week exemption to recuperate and made her comeback the following week. This weekend will also see the return of Jaime Winstone, who was absent last weekend due to injury complications.
Fans reacted quickly to the news, with one person saying: "Kai, get better soon; we need you for Blackpool." Another wrote: "Poor Delta (and Kai) going through the trenches this series." Others commented: "Poor Kai and Delta, not much time for Delta to get used to a new partner," "I'm absolutely gutted," and "Get well soon @kaiwidd Good luck for your Argentine Tango tomorrow night @deltagoodrem @aljazskorjanec." Strictly Come Dancing airs on BBC One Saturday at 6:25pm.
