Strictly fans spot Kai Widdrington’s famous Mariner dad in audience
BBC Strictly Come Dancing fans cheered as Kai Widdrington’s dad Tommy was shown on screen this weekend.
Kai and AJ Odudu, his Strictly partner, scored an almost perfect 39 out of 40 for their Charleston on Saturday.
When the pair were interviewed by Claudia Winkleman ahead of the judges giving their scores, the presenter revealed that Kai’s dad the audience, Birmingham Live reports.
Claudia said: “I have to mention your dad, Tommy, who asked, ‘When do I get a mention?’ He is here this evening.”
After the announcement, the camera cut to Kai’s dad, who waved as the studio audience cheered and clapped for him.
Tommy is currently the director at Bristol Rovers after making over 372 appearances for the club over 15 years.
The 50-year-old played for Southampton between 1990 and 1996 before moving over to Grimsby Town.
He stayed there until 1999, when he left for a two-year stint at Port Vale before transferring to Hartlepool United, then to Macclesfield Town and eventually back to Port Vale, where his career in the Football League came to an end.
Kai’s younger brother Theo is also a professional footballer and currently plays for Havant & Waterlooville.
Kai himself turned down a Premier League contract at the age of 12 to pursue a dance career, and he went on to become Junior World Latin American Champion by 14.
This is Kai’s first year on the show, having previously performed on the Irish version of Dancing With The Stars.
He said: “It’s just been brilliant, every single week has been amazing.
“Since week one when we came out with the jive and we broke that record, or whatever it was, and the iconic performances we’ve had since then...
“I’m having the best time, we’re having a ball together, we get on like a house on fire, we train to ungodly hours.”