BBC Strictly's Kai Widdrington breaks silence after being taken to hospital

Strictly Come Dancing star Kai Widdrington was taken to hospital ahead of Saturday's (November 14) live show. On Friday (November 13), the BBC confirmed that Kai would be unable to dance with his celebrity partner Delta Goodrem due to illness. Fellow professional dancer Aljaž Škorjanec, who had exited the competition alongside Melanie Walters in week three, promptly stepped in to take his place.

During the latest live show, Delta confirmed that Kai had been taken to hospital after he became unwell on Friday. Kai later broke his silence after his hospital visit, as he was seen watching the show from home via his Instagram Story. In the clip, he could be heard exclaiming: "Let's go, let's go," as he tuned into the broadcast. He subsequently said: "Yes! They did brilliantly," after watching Delta and Aljaž's routine, reports Wales Online.

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As he introduced Delta and Aljaž on Saturday night, host Josh Widdicombe said: "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 then said: "However, yesterday in rehearsals, Kai became unwell, and on the advice of our medical team, he was sent home to rest." 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 looked visibly emotional in the VT, following Kai's illness. "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," she said.

Despite the setbacks, Delta and Aljaž impressed the judges with their Argentine Tango, which earned three 9s and an 8 from the judges. While delivering her feedback, Shirley confirmed that Delta had trained with three different partners during the week.

As she awaited her scores, Delta told Johannes Radebe: "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 continued: "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."

Supporters were swift to send their best wishes to Kai, while others expressed concern that Aljaž would be required to step in for the remainder of the series. "Shame for Kai - get well soon, but what a treat to watch the wonderful Aljăz dance the #ArgentineTango with Delta," one user wrote on X.

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?" A third commented: "I wonder which other pro she danced with beforehand and why they had to switch, also poor Kai ending up in hospital hope he's doing okay!" Someone else added: "Oh gosh I wonder what was wrong with Kai. Hope hospital was just a precaution but hope he is ok."

Strictly Come Dancing is available to stream on BBC iPlayer