Former Strictly Come Dancing contestant Helen Skelton has confessed she’s “glad” that professional dancer Kai Widdrington doesn’t have a celebrity partner in this year’s competition.
During an appearance on BBC Morning Live, the 41-year-old presenter, who competed for the Glitterball trophy in 2022, shared some playful banter with her former Strictly colleague Kai, 29.
Helen remarked, “As we mentioned, it’s the return of the Glitterball!
Kai, we said this is your first time with us. I can say this, we’re friends—we saw you’ve not got a partner, but we’re glad because it means you can hang out with us all week.”
Kai responded with enthusiasm, saying, “I’m here, you’ve got me all week, Monday to Friday doing Strictly fitness, and yeah, it’s my first time. I can’t wait!”
His comment followed his admission of disappointment at not being partnered with a celebrity for the latest season.
Kai had previously expressed his feelings saying, “Everyone wants to get a celebrity. Unfortunately, it wasn’t my time this series.
Two boys couldn’t have one this series, and sadly I am one of them.” He acknowledged the competitive nature of the show’s pairing process, adding, “Some of us don’t get partners, and that’s the way it is,” as reported.
Despite this, Kai remains positive about future opportunities, saying, “Let’s see what happens next year. Hopefully, I’ll get one then.”
He also expressed excitement for the new season, which premiered on Saturday night, noting that the cast of celebrities this year is “amazing.” He added, “It is going to be a fantastic series, as it always is.”
While Kai has been focused on group dances, he hinted at what’s to come, sharing, “We have been filming a lot of the group routines.
There are some amazing ones. We have worked really hard through the summer to get them ready for the series. One of the ones I feature in is very funny.”
Meanwhile, another Morning Live star, Dr. Punam Krishan, is stepping onto the dance floor this season. She has been paired with professional dancer Gorka Marquez.
Ahead of her debut, the TV doctor expressed her excitement, saying, “This still doesn’t feel real. I am overjoyed to be a contestant on this year’s show. I have watched Strictly every year with my family, and it feels extra special that it’s the 20th year.
I can’t believe I will be the one getting Strictly-fied now. This is so out of my comfort zone, but I’m up for the journey and will give it my absolute all.”