Kai Widdrington has returned to Instagram to share his first post on the Strictly Come Dancing tour since rumours about his romance with co-star Nadiya Bychkova began to swirl.
Speculation has been rife about the professional dancers, which have only been fuelled following the announcement Nadiya has split from her Slovenian footballer fiancé Matija Škarabot.
Strictly Judge Shirley Ballas appeared to hint at secret romances on the show's live tour, which both Kai and Nadiya are taking part in.
Speaking to ITV's Lorraine, Shirley said: "Romancing and dancing - I don't really know what's going on to be honest.
"It's not my place to say who's what where and when so ... There's always rumours!" she teased.
Tongues wagged even more when Nadiya and Kai were spotted looking cosy outside a hotel together and she was later papped without her engagement ring.
So far Kai has remained tight-lipped on his love life. But after a few days away, he returned to Instagram last night to post a picture of EastEnders star Maisie Smith – as Strictly goes on tour.
The pair looked stunning with Kai in a black tuxedo and Maisie in a peach coloured sequin dress with feathers.
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Ignoring the rumours about his love life, Kai was focused on the tour captioning the post: “Leeds we’re here and ready to go.”
Fans were quick to comment on the photo, which was also liked by his Strictly colleagues including Oti Mabuse, Gorka Marquez and Nadiya.
One wrote: “You were amazing in Birmingham, good luck in Leeds,” while another said: “Looking good guys” followed by two flame emojis.
A third added: “Giving Leeds a touch of classsssssss.”
Maisie – who was runner up in the 2020 series of Strictly – wasn’t supposed to be on this Strictly tour. But she stepped in at the last minute after Kai’s 2021 partner AJ was forced to pull out due to injury.
AJ is reportedly finding it difficult to watch Kai dance with someone else – when they came so close to winning the show.
Fans were gutted when she had to pull out of the final due to a foot injury. EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis was eventually crowned the 2021 winner.
In a statement, AJ said: "I’m devastated not to be able to take part in the Strictly tour due to injury.
"I had hoped for one last dance with Kai, but I must obviously follow the medical advice.
“I wish my Strictly family the very best of luck on the road and I’ll definitely be there to cheer them on."
The Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour kicked off in Birmingham on January 20 and will see a host of celebs and professional dancers waltz round the country performing 33 shows in some of the UK’s biggest arenas.
Upcoming shows include Newcastle, Manchester, Sheffield, Liverpool, Glasgow, Nottingham and London.
Speaking about her excitement at getting another chance on the dance floor, Maisie said: "I’m thrilled to be asked to restart my Strictly journey on this year’s arena tour. Kai and I will be dancing the quickstep and the samba.
"It will be a joy to dance with everyone and so great to see my EastEnders friend Rose again. I wish AJ a speedy recovery."
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