Overview
- The show announced on Friday that Kai Widdrington would not perform after becoming unwell in rehearsals and being taken to hospital, and Strictly posted the update on its official Instagram account.
- Fellow professional Aljaž Škorjanec stepped in at short notice to partner Delta Goodrem on Saturday and the pair scored 35 from the judges for their Argentine tango.
- Delta and production described a frantic rehearsal period in which she worked with multiple partners that week before the live show, and Delta publicly sent well wishes to Kai during her post-dance interview.
- Tabloid reports citing unnamed sources have suggested Kai could miss the rest of the series, a claim the BBC has not confirmed and that remains unverified at this stage.
- Strictly has established medical procedures for byes and emergency stand-ins—used earlier this series when Delta had a fractured rib—which the show can invoke as it manages absences ahead of Blackpool week and the December final.