‘IF HE HADN’T MOVED NEXT DOOR, KAI MIGHT NOT BE A DANCER!’
Neighbour helped kickstart star’s career
STRICTLY pro Kai Widdrington might never have discovered dance – without the help of his childhood next-door neighbour.
The 26-year-old, who is paired with TV presenter and Keele University graduate AJ Ododu in the current series of Strictly Come Dancing, lived in Trentham as a boy while dad Tommy played for Port Vale.
The family moved in next door to Kevin Ford, whose parents Alan and Maureen had set up Fords Dance Centre, in Newcastle, in 1960.
Kai and his brother Theo became good friends with Kevin’s son Charlie. When Kevin saw how full of energy the Widdringtons were, he suggested that the boys tried the ballroom and Latin classes at the Garden Street dance school.
Kevin, who now lives in Newcastle, said: “Kai and Theo were football mad and were always playing in the street. He was a mischievous character.
“He always had so much energy to burn off so I suggested he tried our dance classes to see if he liked it.
“Kai picked it up quickly and started to show potential. He always listened well and started entering competitions.
“You have to practise and be dedicated like any sport, but the main thing is whether the child enjoys it – and Kai did.
“I thought he would follow in his dad’s footsteps and become a footballer.
“But he stuck with dancing and has done really well.”
Kai turned down a Premier League contract at the age of 12 to pursue a dance career, and went on to become Junior World
Latin American champion. He now also has the chance to use his ballroom skills as a professional on the hit BBC show.
Kevin, aged 61, said: “With Strictly it’s not about technique, it’s about entertainment.
“Kai looks the part and he’s putting on a great show.
“It’s funny to think that he might never have started dancing if we hadn’t been neighbours.”