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Vicky Pattison became the latest celebrity eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing (Image: PA)
Strictly Come Dancing professional Kai Widdrington has shared an emotional message following his elimination from the competition alongside celebrity partner Vicky Pattison.
The pair departed the BBC programme just before Blackpool Week, after the judging panel opted to save EastEnders star Balvinder Sopal, who faced her fourth dance-off.
Speaking to presenter Tess Daly following their exit, Vicky described Kai as “the best partner a girl can ask for”.
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She added, “I’m so sorry I didn’t get you to Blackpool, but I feel like I’ve won just by having you as my partner, and I’m so grateful.”
The professional dancer has since posted a touching message reflecting on their Strictly experience together, promising fans: “this won’t be the last you see of us”, reports Wales Online.
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Kai paid tribute to Vicky after their exit(Image: BBC)
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He wrote: “Wow, what a journey! While it is with genuine sadness we leave the competition, it has been the most amazing fun and pleasure dancing with the wonderful Vicky Pattison.
“You not only conquered your fears and your nerves, but you showed the world what an amazing dancer you are and how far you’ve come from being a complete novice.
“I am incredibly proud to have been your dance partner in this wonderful adventure that we call strictly, and I truly wish we could’ve taken our journey even further.
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“Thank you to all our incredible Strictly supporters who voted every single week. Your energy and belief is why we worked so hard on that dance floor. We love you all!
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Vicky and Kai had been going from strength to strength before Saturday night(Image: PA)
“Good luck to everybody else who remains in the competition, and see you all in Blackpool! This won’t be the last you see of us!”.
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The pair received an outpouring of support from fans and fellow dancers, with Gorka Marquez writing on Kai’s post: “So sorry to see you both go,” whilst Carlos Xu added: “You guys will be missed.
“Gutted for you both – but what a ride!” one supporter commented, whilst another added: “So gutted for both of you. You guys were incredible, loved your partnership.”
A third remarked: “Well said @kaiwidd. You really were the best partner for Vicky, as a non-dancer, to see the development each week really was special.”
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They faced the dance-off against Balvinder Sopal and Julian Caillon(Image: BBC)
Kai joined Strictly as a professional dancer in 2021, having previously featured on Ireland’s Dancing with the Stars.
Since then, he’s partnered with AJ Odudu, Kaye Adams, and Angela Rippon, reaching the final alongside AJ in series 19.
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During Sunday’s results programme, Vicky said: “It was so lovely while it lasted, and I’ve had the nicest time. I knew this week was a difficult one for me, and I tried my hardest as I have every week.
“Listen, I didn’t think I’d get past week one. And I’m really honoured to have shared this experience with so many amazing people. Mostly with this fella [Kai] right here. I don’t want to sound too cheesy ,but [to Kai] you’ve been the best partner a girl can ask for.”
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Vicky praised Kai as “the best partner a girl can ask for”(Image: Guy Levy/BBC/PA)
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Kai remarked: “Oh, goodness me. Where do I start? You [to Vicky] are everything that this series is about. Strong, confident, independent – and all that I can say is, I have loved every single second.
“I’m going to be gutted not coming to Blackpool with you on Monday. But I just want you to know that I feel like I have also won getting you as my partner, and you will live on in Strictly history forever.”
Vicky then expressed, “I’ll miss everybody. I enjoyed it loads more than I thought I was going to. And I know I let my nerves get in the way – Shirley, you are right – and I will proper beat myself up over that. But I’ve never danced before sober and here I am – sober as a judge!”
