Helen Skelton admits she's 'glad' Strictly dancer didn't get celebrity partner this year

TV presenter Helen Skelton has admitted she's 'glad' professional dancer Kai Widdrington was not given a celebrity partner for Strictly Come Dancing this year. Speaking on BBC Morning Live, the 41-year-old chatted to the 29-year-old Kai about the new series of the popular show.

She said: "As we mentioned, it's the return of the Glitterball! Kai, we said this is your first time with us, I can say this, we're friends, we saw you've not got a partner but we're glad because it means you can hang out with us all week."

Kai replied: "I'm here, you've got me all week, I'm here all week Monday to Friday doing Strictly fitness and yeah, it's my first time, I can't wait!" The pro-dancer previously shared his sadness at not being paired with a celebrity this year.

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Instead, he will only appear in group dances. Kai told the Daily Star: "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."

He added: "Some of us don't get partners and that's the way it is." Looking forward, he said: "Let's see what happens next year. Hopefully I'll get one then."

The dancer expressed admiration for this year's cast, WalesOnline reports. Kai said: "The line-up of celebs this year is amazing. It is going to be a fantastic series, as it always is.

"We have been filming a lot of the group routines. There are some amazing ones. We have worked really hard through the summer to get them ready for the series. One of the ones I feature in is very funny."

Morning Live star, Dr Punam Krishan, is taking to the dance floor with professional dancer Gorka Marquez. Talking ahead of joining the show, the TV doctor said: "This still doesn’t feel real, I am overjoyed to be a contestant on this year’s show.

"I have watched Strictly every year with my family and it feels extra special that it’s the 20th year, I can’t believe I will be the one getting Strictly-fied now. This is so out of my comfort zone, but I’m up for the journey and will give it my absolute all."