A LACK of female contestants in the next series of Strictly Come Dancing means some of the most popular male dancers have been axed – including Kai Widdrington.
The fan favorite, 29, who was partnered with Angela Rippon in the last series, will not be paired with a celebrity this year.
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Kai Widdrington, pictured with Nadiya Bychkova, will not be paired with a celebrity this year
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Kai at last year’s series with dance partner Angela RipponCredit: PA
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Kai split from fellow professional dancer Nadiya Bychkova in June Credit: PA
This year’s Strictly line-up has the fewest female celebrities in the show’s history, with just six women against nine men.
It’s the second blow for Kai after his divorce from fellow professional dancer Nadiya Bychkova in June.
A source said: “Kai has become the first casualty of this year’s male line-up.
“With so few female celebrities it was inevitable that some of the pros would miss out on a couple, but it’s a real blow that Kai is one of them.
“He had a great result in the last series with Angela and is a fan favourite.
“However, just like last year with Nadiya when she did not get a partner, the bosses have to pay attention to a number of factors when choosing which dancer to pair with which celebrity.
“They look at everything from height to chemistry tests to see who will work best together and that means Kai missed out.
“They will be part of group dances along with other males who were not selected this year.”
Kai, who is also preparing for his solo tour in May, is said to be angry that he is not taking part, while his fellow pros are baffled that he has been overlooked.
In previous years, there was roughly a 50/50 split between the sexes.
The crisis is actually deepening because ‘professional Nadiya Bychkova complained about the show’
The male bias this year has fueled fears that the show’s bullying scandal has deterred women from applying.
The BBC is under pressure to deliver successful pairings after allegations against Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima cast a spotlight on training regimes.
Graziano was fired amid allegations he molested Made in Chelsea star Zara McDermott.
Colleague Giovanni Pernice is under investigation following similar complaints from his partner Sherlock actress Amanda Abbington.
As part of the new measures, chaperones will be present during all sessions and a welfare officer will be available to professional dancers and celebrities.
The source added: “The BBC can’t risk anything but a perfect 10 when it comes to celebrity-professional relationships this year.
He had a great run last series with Angela and is a fan favorite
The source of the sun
“This means that changes can be made if early training shows that the pair are not off to the right foot.
“Some of the official partner reveals have already been recorded before the first show on September 21, but it’s not too late to go back to the drawing board.”
A BBC spokesman said: “The pairings of Strictly Come Dancing’s celebrity contestants and professional dancers will be announced, as usual, in the inaugural show which will air in the autumn and on the official Strictly channels.”
Pairings have yet to be revealed for the 2024 series, but celebrities confirmed to take part include pundit Paul Merson, TV presenter Nick Knowles, Only Way is Essex star Pete Wicks and Love Island contestant Tasha Ghouri.
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