Kai Widdrington evolution somerset dorset

Kai, let’s start with your tour, Evolution. What’s it all about?

I’m really excited for it to kick off. There’s group routines and solo performances, with lots of dance styles plus lifts and spins thrown in. I’ve gone from growing up as a kid from Southampton watching Strictly to this – it’s a dream come true, as cliché as it sounds. I’m getting to dance to the tune I’ve always wanted to my whole life. I grew up pretending to be Elvis in the mirror with a can of hairspray in my hand and dancing to Michael Jackson songs. Now I get to do all those things and more with an amazing production company and cast. I’m really, really happy.

Any pre-stage rituals you do before you perform?

We always gather the cast and I say a few words of encouragement. It’s more to remember why we’re here and not to ever take this for granted. We have some of the best jobs in the world, getting to perform every night. It’s also about reminding us that it’s the audience’s first time seeing the show, and we only have one chance to make a first impression. Oh and I also shake my hands about, as they tend to get a bit sweaty!

Your dad manages Aldershot Town FC and your brother plays for the team. Why did you choose dance over football?

It was just something I loved a little bit more. There was a moment when I was in the car with my dad listening to music on the way to dance class when it all started to make sense in my head. I was like, “Oh, that’s a waltz, and that’s the tango I’ve been learning”. I also didn’t really fancy being kicked by 11 blokes on a Sunday morning on a freezing cold pitch – I’d much rather be in a warm studio with a load of girls. I made the decision at 12 and then my brother followed in my dad’s footsteps.

Your family were supportive when you told them about dancing. What do you say to other parents who might not feel the same?

To let your kids dance – just in a controlled situation and in an environment where it’s regulated. That’s why I’m working with Angela Rippon trying to get dancing into schools, because it’s good for their social and mental health. Dancing’s been proven to be one of the most amazing things for your body and mind and has helped so many people through hard times. I don’t think there’s anybody that’s danced to a piece of music under their own accord but haven’t enjoyed it. Kids should dance. Kids should absolutely dance.

When Googling, your weight loss kept popping up. How does it make you feel when you see people being judged on their appearance?

There’s no reason anyone should judge anyone. I just wanted to get myself in the best possible shape for what I do, and had that opportunity through not getting a partner on Strictly last year. It gave me a chance to take a step back and ask myself what I could improve in my life. It was to be able to feel the best I can, and right now I’m in the best physical shape I’ve been since I was 17. I’m also in the best mental state I’ve been in for a very, very long time – and the happiest I’ve been, too. If I’m happy I’m firing on all cylinders. I just feel very confident at where I am in my life.

Are you more confident with all the outfits you wear on TV and stage?

I’m always up for anything – come see me on tour and check out the outrageous full-on rhinestone suit I’m wearing. I’ve never said ‘no’ to an outfit – it’s just what you wear when you dance. I’m not saying I didn’t the mick taken, as kids did at school. But I really didn’t care what they thought. I love sparkles and Cuban heels. Bring them on!

You’re 30 this August. What do you do that you’d never have done 10 years ago?

I like nights in: ‘Netflix and chill’. I also love playing golf and am even taking my clubs on tour. It’s a good way to relax and I’ve also got a bit of a competitive edge. You’re outside, you put your phone away for hours, you chat with your mates and you whack a ball around the course. It’s all about getting the right amount of balance. It’s hard work being on tour, with a two hour show every night around the country. So, rest is important.

Do you feel aches and pains when dancing?

Not yet, but then again I feel the fittest I’ve ever been. I make sure to warm up and stretch properly before each show, because at the end of the day we’re athletes as well as artists so our body’s a machine and we’re working it hard. Muscles need recovery, and I make sure I eat and drink the right things so I can perform my very best every single night.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

I’m the second youngest pro dancer on Strictly and feel very much at the beginning of my journey there. I’ve got a lot more to give. I’ve won everything there is to win on the show apart from the main Glitterball. I’ve got a Guinness World Record, I’ve won the live tour – and I’ve won the Christmas special twice. Retirement’s not in my vocabulary at this time.

Ever reckon you’ll be a judge?

Who knows, I can’t see those four going anywhere! I’d love to get into TV presenting, and Angela Rippon is mentoring me and helping me with that. I’m also passionate about getting dancing into schools. We’re living in a time when we’re all controlled by our phones, and it would be lovely to get kids off them and dance to music with a teacher for an hour a week.

Tell us a fact about you no one knows…

I’m racking my brain – I promise I’m not just sat here! People may or may not know this, but it’s 100% true. My grandfather’s Chinese and was born in Hong Kong, and was in the same class at school as Bruce Lee! My grandad used to give me all of Bruce Lee’s films when I was young, and my mum hated it because they had violence in. But I loved it, it was so cool that my grandad went to school with him.

Book here to see see Kai’s Evolution tour, coming to Lighthouse Poole, Tues 3 June.

Interview: Claire Muffett-Reece

Muddy meets Strictly Come Dancing’s Kai Widdrington

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