Strictly Come Dancing fans love a good romance story, and Kai Widdrington’s relationship with professional dancer Nadiya Bychkova is one that continues to capture the nation’s attention. The pair’s chemistry both on and off the dance floor has become a major talking point among viewers, particularly as their partnership moves beyond performance into real-life love.
As speculation and excitement grow around whether wedding bells might be next for the duo, let’s take a closer look at who Kai Widdrington is, how his romance with Nadiya blossomed, and what the future could hold for one of Strictly’s most talked-about couples.
Who is Kai Widdrington?
Kai Widdrington is one of the most recognisable professional dancers on Strictly Come Dancing. Born in Southampton in August 1995, Kai originally dreamed of becoming a professional footballer. His father, Tommy Widdrington, is a former Southampton player and football manager, and for a time, Kai seemed set to follow in his footsteps.
However, at just 12 years old, Kai decided to swap football boots for ballroom shoes — a choice that changed his life completely. His talent quickly shone through, and by 14, he had become the World Junior Latin-American champion.
Before joining Strictly, Kai was already familiar to television audiences. He first appeared on Britain’s Got Talent in 2012, where he reached the final as a teenager. Later, he became a professional dancer on Dancing with the Stars Ireland before joining the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing in 2021.
Since then, Kai has gained a strong following thanks to his charming personality, effortless dance skills, and undeniable chemistry with his celebrity partners.
Is Kai Widdrington Married?
As of 2025, Kai Widdrington is not married. However, his relationship with fellow Strictly Come Dancing professional Nadiya Bychkova continues to thrive, sparking constant speculation that marriage could be on the horizon.
Fans often refer to Nadiya as Kai’s “wife” due to their close bond, joint interviews, and affectionate social media posts. Yet the pair have not officially tied the knot. Both Kai and Nadiya have kept their relationship grounded despite the media attention surrounding them.
In recent interviews, Kai has expressed how lucky he feels to have Nadiya in his life, describing her as his “best friend and biggest supporter.” While they have remained private about specific plans for marriage, their public appearances suggest a deep, enduring connection that continues to strengthen each year.
How Kai Widdrington and Nadiya Bychkova Met
Kai and Nadiya first met as colleagues on Strictly Come Dancing. Both were part of the professional lineup, sharing countless rehearsals, tours, and backstage moments. Although they didn’t partner up on the show initially, their friendship blossomed behind the scenes.
In early 2022, after months of rumours, it was confirmed that the pair were dating. At the time, Nadiya had recently separated from her fiancé, Slovenian footballer Matija Skarabot, with whom she shares a daughter. Kai, ever the gentleman, supported her through the transition, and the two became inseparable.
Their relationship was later confirmed during the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour when they were seen holding hands off stage — much to the delight of fans. Since then, their romance has been a fixture of Strictly fan culture, and their bond seems to grow stronger every season.
Nadiya Bychkova: Kai Widdrington’s Partner On and Off the Dance Floor
Nadiya Bychkova, originally from Ukraine, joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2017. Known for her elegance and precision, she’s one of the show’s most admired professionals. Beyond her dance career, Nadiya has worked as a model and is a two-time World and European Champion in Ballroom and Latin dance.
Her partnership with Kai has captivated audiences not only for their on-screen chemistry but also for how naturally their real-life romance complements their professional collaboration. They’ve performed together in multiple tours, including Strictly Come Dancing: The Professionals and their own spin-off tour Once Upon a Time, which toured across the UK in 2023.
Their performances are filled with emotion, passion, and authenticity — qualities that reflect the genuine connection they share off the dance floor.
Public Reaction and Media Coverage
The British public has been highly supportive of Kai and Nadiya’s relationship. Fans have flooded social media with messages of admiration, often calling them Strictly’s golden couple. Media outlets such as Hello! Magazine, The Mirror, and The Daily Mail frequently feature the pair in lifestyle and entertainment coverage.
Despite the attention, both dancers have managed to maintain a dignified and grounded image. Their approach to fame — balancing professionalism with relatability — has helped endear them to a wide audience.
Unlike some Strictly romances that fade under public scrutiny, Kai and Nadiya’s relationship has only become stronger, proving that genuine love can indeed emerge from the sparkle of the ballroom.
Family, Future Plans and Life Beyond Strictly
Nadiya has a young daughter from her previous relationship, and Kai has embraced his role as a supportive figure in her life. In interviews, Nadiya has praised Kai for being “wonderful with her daughter,” describing their bond as “very natural and loving.”
Professionally, both have thriving careers beyond Strictly. Kai continues to appear in live shows and tours, while Nadiya frequently performs at international dance events. The couple often share glimpses of their travels and family life on Instagram, where they have a combined following of over half a million.
As for marriage plans, neither has confirmed anything officially, but fans remain hopeful. Given their stability and strong connection, it wouldn’t be surprising if wedding news were to arrive in the near future.
Kai Widdrington’s Journey in Strictly Come Dancing
Kai joined Strictly in 2021 and quickly became a fan favourite. In his debut season, he partnered with TV presenter AJ Odudu. Their dynamic routines and natural chemistry took them all the way to the final, but sadly, AJ was forced to withdraw due to injury.
In later seasons, Kai partnered with actress Kaye Adams and broadcaster Angela Rippon, showcasing his adaptability and patience as a teacher. His elegant style and ability to bring out the best in his partners have earned him respect from both judges and fans.
Kai’s growing reputation as one of the show’s leading male pros continues to solidify his place among the best in Strictly history.
Comparisons and Pop Culture Interest
The relationship between Kai and Nadiya has often been compared to other celebrity romances from Strictly, where many professional and celebrity partnerships have turned romantic. However, Kai and Nadiya’s bond feels particularly genuine and stable — a refreshing contrast in an industry known for fleeting relationships.
Their love story has drawn comparisons to other UK celebrity couples such as Roman Fury and his wife, whose story also captured fans’ attention through authenticity and charm. (Read more about Roman Fury’s love life on Leeds Journal.)
Much like Katie Boulter and her boyfriend, Kai and Nadiya balance public visibility with personal privacy, showing that fame and love can coexist harmoniously.
Why Fans Adore Kai and Nadiya
The charm of Kai and Nadiya’s relationship lies in its relatability. Despite their fame, they come across as genuine, kind, and down-to-earth. Their interviews often reflect mutual respect and admiration, rather than self-promotion.
Fans also appreciate how they support each other’s careers, much like the bond seen between public figures such as Diletta Leotta and her partner, whose balance between personal life and public image resonates with many.
As one fan recently commented on social media, “Kai and Nadiya are the heart of Strictly — they bring real love to the sparkle.”
Recent News and What’s Next for Kai Widdrington
In late 2024 and early 2025, Kai and Nadiya were seen attending several high-profile events, including The National Television Awards and the Strictly Live Tour press launch. Their affectionate appearances reignited speculation about an engagement, though neither has confirmed anything yet.
The couple is also reportedly in talks for another joint tour, following the success of their previous one. If confirmed, it would likely attract thousands of fans across the UK — a testament to their enduring popularity.
As Strictly Come Dancing continues to dominate Saturday night television, it’s safe to say Kai’s future in the show — and in the hearts of fans — is secure.
FAQs about Kai Widdrington and His Relationship
1. Is Kai Widdrington married to Nadiya Bychkova?
No, Kai and Nadiya are not married as of 2025. However, they are in a committed relationship and live together in London.
2. How long have Kai and Nadiya been dating?
They began dating in early 2022 after forming a close friendship on Strictly Come Dancing.
3. Does Kai Widdrington have children?
Kai does not have biological children, but he shares a close bond with Nadiya’s daughter from her previous relationship.
4. Are Kai and Nadiya returning to Strictly Come Dancing 2025?
Yes, both are expected to return as professional dancers for the next season of Strictly Come Dancing.
5. Are Kai and Nadiya planning to get married soon?
There has been no official confirmation, though fans and media continue to speculate that a wedding could be on the horizon.
Final Thoughts
Kai Widdrington and Nadiya Bychkova represent one of Strictly Come Dancing’s most beloved partnerships — a blend of talent, chemistry, and genuine affection. Their story continues to fascinate UK audiences who have followed their journey from dance floor partners to romantic soulmates.
In an era of fleeting celebrity romances, Kai and Nadiya’s relationship feels refreshingly sincere. Whether or not they decide to marry soon, one thing is certain: they have already become one of the UK’s most admired dance couples, inspiring fans with every performance and public appearance.
To keep up with more entertainment stories and celebrity relationship updates, check out features like Harry Amass and Sophie Habboo’s pregnancy journey — all capturing the heart of modern British entertainment culture.
