BBC Strictly Come Dancing fans 'actually upset' as dancer 'left on the bench'

Strictly Come Dancing fans have been left devastated after professional dancer Kai Widdrington was 'left on the bench' in this year's competition.

The dancer admitted he was 'sad' to miss out on dancing with a celebrity partner in this year's series, but said: "That's the way it is."

It was confirmed on Saturday night's launch that the 29-year-old, who has been on the show since 2021, has not been paired up with a celeb. Carlos Gu has also been left without a partner this year.

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It means for the next three months they will only be seen by viewers during the group routines. Fans were left disappointed that they would not be able to watch the dancers compete.

"The fact that Kai has been benched this year is actually upsetting to me. What were they THINKING?!!" one angry fan asked, while another commented: "Kai not having a partner this year is not acceptable to me."

Another said: "Gutted Kai isn't getting a partner this year. He's an absolutely sweetheart and surely is a great ambassador for #Strictly after the recent controversies".

A fourth said: "How have we lost Kai and Carlos this is actually devastating." A fifth added: "Kai and Carlos being benched is my villain origin story."

Speaking to the Daily Star about missing out this year, Kai said: "Everyone wants to get a celebrity. Unfortunately it wasn’t my time this series. Two boys couldn’t have one this series and sadly I am one of them. Some of us don’t get partners and that’s the way it is. Let’s see what happens next year. Hopefully I’ll get one then.”

Saturday night's pre-recorded launch show saw this year's celebrities paired with their professional dance