Why BBC Strictly Come Dancing star selected dancing over soccer

As the son of a much-loved footballer, Strictly Come Dancing star Kai Widdrington appeared destined to observe in his father’s footsteps.

The skilled dancer lived in Trentham, Stoke-on-Trent, for a lot of his childhood as his dad Tommy Widdrington, Aldershot Town FC’s present supervisor, performed for Port Vale FC.

During his time within the metropolis, Widdrington (Kai) joined the membership’s academy and mentioned he needed to be a “star footballer” similar to his dad.

But that trajectory modified when his dad and mom determined their son, who admitted to being a “hyperactive” teen, wanted one other outlet.

Widdrington informed BBC Radio Stoke he lived subsequent door to some ballroom dance academics and he joined their class, however it took some time for him to fall in love with it.

He mentioned: “I actually did not prefer it that a lot, till they received me a companion and we began doing competitions, so there was a aggressive facet to it.”

That aggressive drive overcame any potential inhibitions he might need felt about performing whereas “carrying sparkles or Cuban heels”.

“I wanted to do what I wanted to do to win. It was about successful for me,” he defined.

Widdrington mentioned the “lightbulb” second got here when he was listening to his dad’s music on the way in which to soccer apply and would take into consideration the dances that went with every track.

“I simply liked it that bit greater than extra soccer, though I had a very promising soccer profession forward of me as a youngster,” he added.

After the household moved again to Southampton, the place he was born, Widdrington performed alongside future Premier League stars, together with Luke Shaw and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

But he gave up a possible future place at Southampton FC, selecting as an alternative to pursue a profession as knowledgeable dancer.

Widdrington mentioned he remembered his time in Stoke-on-Trent with affection, having lived there via his main college years.

“I’ve fond reminiscences of being in Stoke,” he mentioned. “It was a lot enjoyable. I had nice mates and had a very nice childhood rising up there.”

Widdrington is at the moment touring his dance present, Evolution, and can return to Strictly Come Dancing later within the 12 months for his fifth season as knowledgeable dancer.

Of his time on the BBC present, he mentioned: “It is life-changing however particularly as a British lad rising up in Stoke-on-Trent.

“It’s an actual full-circle second for me,” he added.