STRICTLY Come Dancing fans are convinced they have worked out the ‘real reason’ pro dancer Kai Widdrington didn’t get a celebrity partner this series.
Last night’s launch show revealed the pro dancer will be ‘benched’ this time around – despite making to Blackpool last year with TV legend Angela Rippon.
Kai is one of three pros who have missed out on a partner this series, with Carlos Gu and Lauren Oakley also going without.
All three will still participate in the group routines and feature each week on the show.
But fans have taken to internet forums to discuss Kai’s omission, and believe it may have something to do with fellow pro Neil Jones.
Neil was famous for regularly not getting a celebrity partner, and even joked about it on last night’s launch show.
He showed a snap of his baby daughter Havana wearing a babygro with the slogan ‘My daddy FINALLY got a partner’.
And ardent viewers believe Kai was moved aside this year so Neil could get a partner, as they believe that, at 41 years old, this could be his last series.
One wrote on digital spy’s forum dedicated to the show: ” I think this could be Neil’s swansong if the BBC does have a clear out of the pros.
Another agreed, adding: “I did say that a possible reason they gave him a partner this year is as a way to send him off. Unless he was planning on leaving already.”
A third believed another reason for Neil getting a partner over Kai was because he was a better fit for Toyah Willcox, who he was paired with.
They theorised: “I’m not surprised that Neil has been put together with Toyah as she seems to want to go the comedy route and Neil might work for that.”
A fourth agreed, weighing in: “Yeah I get the impression Neil is one of the more unserious pros so I think it could work too.”
Kai expressed his disappointment earlier this week as he broke his silence on the ‘snub’.
He 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.
“Some of us don’t get partners and that’s the way it is.
“Let’s see what happens next year. Hopefully I’ll get one then.”
While Kai has not missed out on a partner before, his ex girlfriend and fellow show pro Nadiya Bychkova was left on the subs bench last year.
At the time, Nadiya expressed her own disappointment.
Following the first episode of the last series, Nadiya told fans: “I’m sure you’ll understand that I’m disappointed not to be partnered with a celebrity on @bbcstrictly this series.”
She continued: “It is an amazing show to be a part of and I’m still so excited for all the group numbers, performing with some of our music acts and much much more.
“I’m also looking forward to supporting my fellow pros and I want to wish all the couples the best of luck for the competition this year.”
At the time, then- boyfriend Kai supported her, commenting: “Always shining bright.”
The pair split back in July after two years together.
Here's who is matched with who this series...
Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell
Jamie Borthwick and Michelle Tsiakkas
JB Gill and Amy Dowden MBE
Montell Douglas and Johannes Radebe
Nick Knowles and Luba Mushtuk
Paul Merson and Karen Hauer
Pete Wicks and Jowita Przystał
Punam Krishan and Gorka Márquez
Tasha Ghouri and Aljaž Škorjanec
Tom Dean MBE and Nadiya Bychkova
Toyah Willcox and Neil Jones
Sam Quek MBE and Nikita Kuzmin
Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola
Shayne Ward and Nancy Xu
Wynne Evans and Katya Jones
