Since 2021, Strictly Come Dancing fans have grown familiar with watching professional dancer Kai Widdrington gliding gracefully across the ballroom floor.

The BBC favourite has been paired with celebrity contestants including AJ Odudu, Kaye Adams and Angela Rippon and is currently partnered with Vicky Pattison in the current series of Strictly.

Despite not being given a famous partner during the previous series, Kai could be battling for the prestigious Glitterball trophy this year, reports OK!

It appears that Kai isn't the sole Widdrington in the limelight as his dad, Tommy, is a renowned sportsman, reports Wales Online.

The ex-Premier League footballer represented clubs including Southampton, Grimsby Town and Port Vale. Though he's retired from playing professionally, he took on the role of Aldershot Town's First-Team Manager in 2023.

Towards the close of last year, Tommy unexpectedly suffered two strokes and required medical care, reports Wales Online.

Throughout this difficult period, Kai shared on Instagram: " Thank you to everyone who has sent their messages of love and support."

Since then it appears his father has made an excellent recovery as the Strictly professional posted photos of them enjoying a football match together in May.

A year after joining the cast of BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, sparks flew between Kai and his dance partner, Nadiya Bychkova. The pair started their romance in 2022, often posting sweet photos on social media, with Kai once lovingly calling Nadiya 'The One'.

Throughout their time together, they were clearly head over heels, even embarking on a joint tour in 2023, named 'Behind the Magic'. However, it's believed they began to grow apart during this time, with rumours of a break up starting to spread.

A source close to the couple told The Mirror that being constantly together 'took a toll' on their relationship. While Kai has kept quiet about their split, Nadiya has previously spoken about it.

During an appearance on Loose Women, she said: "I don't think any break-up is easy. But we're professionals, so we obviously knew that we would have to go back to work together, and that's what we do."

Since then, Kai has found new love with Chloe Wells, who he regularly features on his Instagram posts.

Before joining the Strictly Come Dancing troupe, Kai was already known in the television industry, having appeared on another popular ITV programme. In 2014, Kai auditioned for Britain's Got Talent alongside his fellow Strictly stars Katya Jones and her former husband Neil Jones.

Back then, they were part of the dance collective Kings and Queens, who wowed the judges with their slick choreography. Simon Cowell was particularly impressed, stating: "We've had some great dance groups on this show over the years, I think it was incredible."

Kings and Queens made it to the semi-finals of the competition, but it was musical theatre group Collabro who ultimately took home the crown that series.

Sadly, group member Kerri-Anne Donaldson passed away at the age of 38 in 2023. Kai paid a heartfelt tribute to his colleague, penning: "Heartbroken to hear such sad news that my friend @kerri_annedonaldson is no longer with us.

"We shared some amazing moments together, memories that will last a lifetime. Your infectious smile will be missed by everyone who was lucky enough to call you their friend. May you rest in peace."

Strictly Come Dancing's star has very famous dad no one knows about - The Mirror