The world of Strictly Come Dancing is often a true ballroom of dreams. It is a glittering spectacle of dazzling routines and heartfelt connections. Fans in the UK follow the professional dancers closely. They track every step and every whisper of romance. One partnership captured the public’s imagination more than most. That was between Kai Widdrington and fellow professional Nadiya Bychkova. Their romance blossomed beautifully on the BBC show. It became one of the most talked-about relationships in British entertainment.
Yet, as with many high-profile couples, their story took an unexpected turn. The ‘Strictly curse’ is often discussed, but sometimes the pressure of fame proves too much. News of their split in the summer of 2024 sent shockwaves through the fan base. People immediately started searching for answers. Who is Kai Widdrington dating now? What caused the breakdown of their two-year relationship? This article dives into the full story. We explore the romance, the painful split, and the new beginnings for the beloved dancer. We will look at what the future holds for this Southampton-born star.
The Glitterball Romance: A Love Story Born on Strictly
Kai Widdrington first joined the ranks of professional dancers on Strictly Come Dancing in 2021. He quickly became a fan favourite. His partnership with TV presenter AJ Odudu nearly saw him lift the Glitterball trophy. It was behind the scenes, however, that a new personal connection was forming. He began spending time with Nadiya Bychkova. She had been a Strictly fixture since 2017.
From Colleagues to Couple
Their connection was initially subtle and professional. It soon developed into something deeper. By 2022, speculation was swirling among the media and fans. The dancers were frequently photographed together. They seemed inseparable during the Strictly live tours. They chose to keep their growing romance quiet at first. This is common when dealing with such intense public scrutiny.
They went public with their relationship in 2022. Fans were delighted that the on-screen chemistry was real. Kai spoke glowingly about Nadiya in the press. He called her “The One” in a glossy magazine interview. He praised her as both a beautiful woman and a kind soul. He also greatly admired her dedication as a mother. Nadiya has a daughter, Mila, from a previous engagement. Kai embraced his role within their blended family. Their relationship was celebrated as a real-life fairytale.
Their bond was so strong they created two joint live dance shows. These were called Once Upon a Time and Behind the Magic. These tours offered UK audiences a rare glimpse. They saw the passionate professional lives of the dance stars. It confirmed their status as one of Britain’s favourite celebrity couples. The success of their tours demonstrated their huge popularity. This joint business venture also meant spending nearly every hour together. That included rehearsals, performances, and long drives between cities. They were always side-by-side in a demanding environment.
The Shock Split: Pressures of the Spotlight
The public perception of their relationship was one of absolute bliss. They seemed immune to the pressures of the entertainment world. That is why the news of their separation came as such a shock. It happened just two years after their romance started. The announcement confirmed the end of the fairytale for many fans.
The End of the Fairytale
Reports of their break-up emerged in the summer of 2024. Sources suggested the intense pressures of professional life played a major role. Constant touring can strain any relationship. Spending 24/7 together while managing high-pressure performances can be exhausting. The demanding schedule of their nationwide Behind the Magic tour reportedly became too much. The pair decided to part ways after the tour concluded in June. The initial reports claimed the split was entirely amicable. They said both dancers intended to remain close friends and respected colleagues.
The relationship spotlight is unforgiving for celebrities. The interest in a high-profile split is intense. Fans immediately seek every detail. This fascination with the private lives of public figures is huge in the UK. It drives news cycles about couples like Kai and Nadiya. We see this level of interest often with other celebrity relationships, such as the public interest following news about Miranda Hart’s partner or the latest relationship status updates concerning major TV personalities like Sharon Osbourne today. The public consumes these stories with great enthusiasm. This only increases the pressure on the separating couple.
The initial amicable narrative was soon complicated. It was clear that separating professionally while working together would be challenging. The situation became a key talking point in the lead-up to the next series of Strictly. Would the atmosphere in the rehearsal rooms be awkward? Could they remain professional on the dance floor?
The Aftermath: Working Together, Living Apart
The nature of their employment meant there was no escaping each other. Both Kai and Nadiya remained professional dancers on Strictly Come Dancing. This forced proximity naturally led to speculation. It also led to some candid admissions from Nadiya herself.
A ‘Frosty’ Dynamic: Nadiya’s Candid Comments
Nadiya Bychkova was very blunt about the situation. She addressed the break-up in October 2024 at the Pride of Britain Awards. She clearly stated that their relationship had fundamentally changed. “We work together but we are not friends,” she told reporters. She added that she was perfectly fine with that. This frankness offered a sharp contrast to the initial amicable claims. It showed the true difficulty of separating a personal and professional life.
Nadiya emphasised her dedication to her career. She assured the public that their dance performances would still be spectacular. “When you see me dancing with him, it will be amazing,” she confirmed. “Because I’m a professional.” This statement reflects the commitment of Strictly professionals. They must put the performance first, no matter their personal feelings.
The public got a glimpse of the ‘frosty’ atmosphere at the National Television Awards. Reports suggested that great care was taken to keep the former couple apart. Organisers made sure they would not share the same camera shots. Nadiya was conspicuously absent when the Strictly team collected an award. These small, public moments confirmed the shift in their dynamic. It showed that the transition from lovers to colleagues was genuinely difficult. The scrutiny on their every move was immense.
New Beginnings: Who is Kai Widdrington Dating Now?
The constant attention on Kai’s romantic life never wavered. After the split, fans were eager to know if he had moved on. The focus of the “Kai Widdrington partner” search soon shifted to a new figure.
Introducing Chloe Wells
Kai Widdrington stepped out with a new girlfriend in early 2025. This marked a fresh chapter in his life. The new woman in his life is Chloe Wells. She works as an executive assistant outside the dance world. The couple are believed to have met at a London pub. This relationship represents a notable shift for Kai. He is now dating someone removed from the intense Strictly environment.
He made the relationship official on Instagram. He shared photographs of the couple together. Chloe is not a public figure in the same way Nadiya is. This likely offers Kai a more private and stable life away from the spotlight. Having a partner who understands the pressures but is not part of the industry is often beneficial.
The public’s fascination with dancers’ personal lives is huge. We see similar levels of interest in the career earnings and private lives of other top UK stars. People are always interested in figures like those researching Frankie Dettori’s net worth. Kai is one of the BBC’s biggest names. His choice of partner is therefore major news. His relationship with Chloe Wells seems to offer a new kind of grounded happiness.
Nadiya Moves On
The shift to new romances was mutual. Nadiya Bychkova also moved on and is reportedly dating a new partner. She has been seen with Ian, a West End theatre star. Ian is currently playing the lead role in a major London production. This new romance also keeps Nadiya connected to the world of performance. However, it is a different sphere from the BBC studios. The reported relationship confirms that both dancers are building new lives. They are looking forward to a future separate from their shared history.
Kai Widdrington: The UK’s Favourite Ballroom Star
Beyond the headlines of his personal life, Kai Widdrington remains a highly respected dancer. His career path is a testament to dedication and talent. He is one of the UK’s finest ballroom and Latin stars.
A Career Defined by Dance
Born in Southampton, Kai came from a footballing family. His father, Tommy Widdrington, was a professional footballer. His brother, Theo, also plays the sport. Yet, Kai chose dance over a Premier League contract at age twelve. This choice quickly paid off. By the age of fourteen, he was the Junior World Latin American champion.
His first major exposure to the UK public came in 2012. He reached the live final of Britain’s Got Talent. He then spent several successful years on the Irish version of Dancing with the Stars. He finished as joint-runner-up twice. Joining the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing in 2021 was a dream come true. He has consistently impressed with his skill. In the latest series, he partnered with celebrity Vicky Pattison. They achieved some of their highest scores, celebrating Britain’s biggest heroes at the Pride of Britain Awards.
Kai’s journey from a talented junior to a national television star is remarkable. His success mirrors the career arcs of other major UK personalities. For example, he shares a trajectory with beloved figures who started as niche experts. Much like the public follows the latest Gino D’Acampo news to track his success, Kai’s development as a dancer and choreographer is a major draw.
Off-Screen Roles and Future Plans
Even when he missed out on a celebrity partner in a recent series, Kai remained positive. He focused on his role in the group dances and guest performances. He showed true professionalism. He also took on a significant new position. He is the Director of Engagement and Education for the British Dancesport Association. This role allows him to inspire the next generation of UK dancers. It cements his status as a key figure in British ballroom dancing. His focus is on the future, both on and off the dance floor.
Final Thoughts
The story of Kai Widdrington and his relationships is a powerful reminder. It shows the human side of life under the scrutiny of British media. The relationship with Nadiya Bychkova was intense and beautiful. It was a professional partnership that evolved into a personal one. The demands of touring meant that the ‘fairytale’ could not last. It is a common challenge for couples in the celebrity bubble. The constant pressure on their relationship became too much to bear.
Now, both dancers are creating new paths for themselves. Kai has found a new partner in Chloe Wells, an executive assistant. This new romance offers a life potentially quieter and more grounded. It is a necessary balance for a man whose work is so public. While the UK public loves a romantic story, sometimes a quieter chapter is what is needed. The public fascination with celebrity life, like the enduring excitement over whether the UK will ever get a Disneyland UK, often projects a fantasy onto public figures. Kai’s current chapter is about real life. It shows that even in the dazzling world of ballroom, new beginnings are possible.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
| Question | Answer |
| Who is Kai Widdrington’s current partner? | Kai Widdrington is currently dating Chloe Wells. She is an executive assistant. Their relationship was made official on social media in early 2025. |
| Why did Kai Widdrington and Nadiya Bychkova split? | The professional dancers split in the summer of 2024. Sources reported that the intense pressure of constant touring and working together on their joint dance shows contributed to the breakdown of their relationship. |
| Are Kai Widdrington and Nadiya Bychkova still friends? | Nadiya Bychkova has publicly stated that they are not friends following the break-up. She confirmed that while they work together professionally on Strictly Come Dancing, their personal dynamic is “frosty.” |
| How long were Kai and Nadiya Bychkova together? | The professional dancers were in a relationship for approximately two years. They first started dating in 2022 after meeting on the set of Strictly Come Dancing in 2021. |
| Is Kai Widdrington still a professional dancer on Strictly? | Yes, Kai Widdrington remains a professional dancer on the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing. He continues to participate in the group numbers and has partnered with celebrities, such as Vicky Pattison, in the latest series. |
