Entertainment
Strictly 2021: Who is Kai Widdrington and is he dating AJ Odudu?
Kai Widdrington is currently starring in his first series of Strictly Come Dancing and, it’s safe to say, has hit the ground running.
The professional dancer is partnered up with TV presenter AJ Odudu and they’ve proven to be a dynamic pairing, earning a score of 34 at the beginning of the series, the highest week-one score for 16 years.
They’ve gone on to establish themselves as serious contenders for the Glitterball Trophy – but have also become talk of the town with rumours they’ve struck up a romantic connection and are ‘falling’ for each other.
And their steamy Argentine Tango has further fuelled speculation after the routine – which scored them a perfect 10 from Shirley – ended in a ‘near-kiss’ moment.
Just who is Kai, where have you seen him before – and are he and and AJ actually an item?
Here’s what you need to know.
Who is Kai Widdrington?
Kai was born on August 23, 1995 making him 26 years old.
He was born in Southampton and comes from a footballing family with his father, Tommy Widdrington, a former Premier League player, and his brother Theo with the Havant and Waterlooville club.
Kai himself turned down a Premier League contract at the age of 12 to pursue a dance career, and he went on to become Junior World Latin American Champion.
Are Kai Widdrington and AJ Odudu dating?
Neither AJ nor Kai has officially confirmed they are dating – but there have been rumours of a romance between the pair for some weeks now, with a source recently telling The Sun of ‘sparks’ backstage between them.
An insider also told the Mail On Sunday that they had become ‘inseperable’.
‘Kai thinks AJ is sexy,’ the insider said. ‘They have this lovely romance going on, things have definitely changed in the last week or so and they are inseparable, not just as dance partners but away from that, too.
‘It’s nice to see a Strictly romance where there is no curse, just two people who have fallen head over heels for each other.
‘Those involved in the show have been watching this closely over the weeks and have thought this was always on the cards. It’s lovely.’
Kai was also previously caught on his microphone telling AJ ‘I love you,’ during the show’s movie week instalment earlier this month.
When asked by Janette Manrara on It Takes two Kai and AJ giggled before he said: ‘I think that was all down to just the tough, tough week that we had and the fact that we got to the end of the performance and it was flawless and you smashed it, and you did all the lifts brilliant, did all the technique perfect.’
AJ chimed in: ‘We were both just relieved, you were just gripping onto my neck!’ as she momentarily held onto his hand.
Kai split from his dancer girlfriend Giulia Dotta earlier this year after five years together.
When was Kai Widdrington on Britain’s Got Talent?
The pair have hit the ground running on this series of Strictly (Picture: PA)
Kai appeared on ITV’s BGT in 2012 alongside dance partner Natalia Jeved and managed to reach the live final before finishing in 11th place.
He returned to the talent competition two years later, in 2014, as part of the ballroom dance group Kings & Queens alongside fellow Strictly stars Katya Jones and Neil Jones. Kings & Queens reached the semi-finals but were booted off.
Strictly Come Dancing continues tonight at 7:10pm on BBC One.
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