BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Kai Widdrington 'ready' as he delivers show update

Strictly Come Dancing sensation Kai Widdrington graced ITV's Lorraine with his presence, chatting to stand-in host Christine Lampard about his latest venture as he embarks on a fresh tour.

The professional hoofer, aged 29, opened up about his new dance extravaganza, Evolution, which debuts today in High Wycombe, revealing to Christine that he's never felt better, declaring himself in the "best shape" ever.

Kai, who was notably missing a celebrity partner in the 2024 series of Strictly, shared that he's undergone a remarkable journey of self-improvement and is ready to make a comeback, dispelling last year's whispers of a snub by confirming his return to training in July.

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He enthused: "I've made a few changes in my life, sorted myself out and I am the happiest and fittest I have ever been in 17 years. By the time the tours done, I'll be my fittest and ready to go for Strictly in July."

The conversation also veered towards football, where Christine and Kai found common ground.

Christine's husband is the esteemed football manager , while Kai's dad, Thomas Widdrington, also boasts a football legacy, having played midfield for Southampton before taking up management at National League club Aldershot Town, reports .

Kai, whose brother Theo emulated their father's footballing legacy by turning pro with Aldershot Town FC, confessed he realised at just 12 that the beautiful game wasn't his calling.

Christine quizzed him: "Your career could have been very different, you could have been a footballer?"

Kai responded with a chuckle, saying: "I know I could have been playing Frank's team."

The presenter delved deeper, asking if it was tough breaking the news to his folks about his dance ambitions over the family's footballing heritage.

"I had to tell my dad I wanted to be a dancer at age 12. I always knew that I didn't want to be running around a cold football pitch and that being in a warm studio with girls felt much more me," he shared with a laugh.

"Luckily my brother went on to be the professional footballer and managed by my dad."

Lorraine airs weekdays on ITV from 9am.