Kai Widdrington is one of the most admired professional dancers on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, with a winning record, heartwarming journey, and a fanbase that spans from ballroom circles to Saturday night TV viewers. Here’s your need-to-know guide on his career, partnerships, and what’s happening in his life in 2025—with NO drag, just facts and heart.
Fast Key Takeaways
- Current Partner (2025): Vicky Pattison—reality TV favorite and author. The pair have delivered memorable performances, recently earning high praise for their “Fate of Ophelia” contemporary routine to Taylor Swift’s “The Life of a Showgirl.”
- Recent Career Milestone: Winner of the 2024 Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special with drag artist Tayce, the show’s first ever drag contestant.
- Strictly Record (Main Series): Reached the final with AJ Odudu in 2021, memorable partnerships with Kaye Adams, Angela Rippon and now Vicky Pattison.
- Personal Life: Son of football manager Tommy Widdrington; recently went public with girlfriend Chloe Wells (April 2025).
- Special Quote:
“Dancing landed in my life when I needed it most. My dad’s my hero, but it was the ballroom that really let me shine.” —Kai Widdrington (BBC Radio Stoke)
Who is Kai Widdrington? (Background & Early Life)
Kai Widdrington was born on 23 August 1995, in Southampton, England. His father, Tommy Widdrington, is a former professional footballer and current football manager. Initially set for a football career himself, Kai switched to dance after meeting ballroom tutors next door as a “hyperactive” kid.
By age 14, Kai was Junior World Latin American dance champion. He made his TV breakthrough as a finalist on Britain’s Got Talent (2012), later joining Ireland’s Dancing with the Stars (2017–2020) and finally stepping into the UK Strictly spotlight in 2021.
Strictly Come Dancing: Kai’s Journey
| Series | Partner | Notable Achievement | Final Place |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19 (2021) | AJ Odudu | Topped leaderboard; withdrew before final due to partner’s injury | 3rd |
| 20 (2022) | Kaye Adams | Early exit, memorable friendship | 15th |
| 21 (2023) | Angela Rippon | Iconic “swing” dance; popular with fans | 7th |
| 22 (2024) | No celeb partner | Won Christmas Special with Tayce | Winner (Xmas) |
| 23 (2025) | Vicky Pattison | 2025 series ongoing; top scores, big progress | TBA |
Strictly Superlative:
- In 2024, made history by winning the Christmas Special with Tayce, the first drag queen to compete—a major moment for diversity and representation on UK TV.
Trending: 2025 Highlights
- Powerful Partnership: Kai and Vicky Pattison have quickly become fan favorites in 2025 with both their chemistry and ability to impress judges, recently securing one of the “highest scores yet”.
- Special Performances: Dancing to Taylor Swift has been a season high point for Kai and Vicky, with critics noting the “emotional storytelling” in every step.
- Family Pride: In November 2025, Kai’s father, Tommy Widdrington, returned to manage Eastbourne Borough FC after overcoming a health setback—with Kai sharing his pride online:
“That’s my dad! @ebfc_official 🔥” (Instagram). - Personal Life: Kai is now dating Chloe Wells, an executive assistant. The pair were seen together in London in October, looking “smitten” and celebrating Kai’s Strictly success.
Why Kai Widdrington Inspires
- Background: Chose passion for dance over a sure football career, backed by supportive parents and childhood in Stoke-on-Trent.
- Work Ethic: Known for his determination: “It was about winning for me… I needed to do what I had to do to succeed.”
- Milestones: Junior world champion, TV talent show finalist, Strictly and DWTS star, and Christmas Special winner—all by age 30.
Best Recent Quote
“Dancing landed in my life when I needed it most. My dad’s my hero, but it was the ballroom that really let me shine.”
—Kai Widdrington (BBC Radio Stoke)
Quick-Glance Table: Kai’s Strictly Achievements
| Year/Series | Celebrity Partner | Major Moment | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | AJ Odudu | Finalist, fan favorite | 3rd (withdrew) |
| 2022 | Kaye Adams | Friendship, humor | 15th |
| 2023 | Angela Rippon | “Swing” week, classic style | 7th |
| 2024 (Xmas) | Tayce (drag queen) | First ever drag queen winner | Winner (Xmas) |
| 2025 | Vicky Pattison | High scores, trending on social media | Still competing |
What’s Next?
- Kai remains a major figure on Strictly Come Dancing, with fans expecting a deep competition run in 2025 with Vicky Pattison.
- He continues to tour with his dance stage show “Evolution.”
- Watch for more inspiring content from Kai as his influence reaches far beyond the ballroom in 2025.
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