Strictly Come Dancing fans have declared they know the ‘real reason’ why Kai Widdrington was not paired with a celebrity partner this year.

It was revealed during Saturday’s launch show that the dancer – who was paired with Angela Rippon for the 2023 run and made it to Blackpool – will be ‘benched’.

Also missing out on a celebrity pairing and taking part in just the group numbers will be professional dancers Carlos Gu and Lauren Oakley.

But following on from the first show, Strictly fans believe that decision may be down to fellow professional Neil Jones.

Despite appearing on the show since 2016 Neil, 41, famously became known for hardly ever getting a partner, and fans now believe Kai was pushed aside to give Neil his time to shine as this could be his last series.

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Strictly Come Dancing fans have declared they know the ‘real reason’ why Kai Widdrington was not paired with a celebrity partner this year

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With many believe it may be down to fellow professional Neil Jones, who has been paired with 80s legend Toyah Wilcox

Taking to Digital Spy’s forum that is dedicated to the dancing show, fans theorised: ‘I think this could be Neil’s swansong if the BBC does have a clear out of the pros.’

‘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.’

‘Rather a shame to see Kai and Lauren benched, maybe they just didn’t gel with the celebrities? 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.’

It comes after Kai opened up about his time on the show earlier this week.

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.’

In this year’s line-up, only six women will compete against nine men – a first in the show’s history.

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Despite Kai being a fan favourite and reaching Blackpool with TV legend Angela Rippon, 78, this year he will only appear in group numbers (pictured here with Angela who showcased her incredible flexibility as she stretched her leg over head during her first live performance)

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Fans now believe Kai was pushed aside to give Neil his time to shine as this could be his last series, whilst others believe he was a ‘better fit’ for Toyah

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 Some theorised that Toyah seemed to want to go the comedy route and felt Neil would be a better fit for that

Taking to Digital Spy’s forum that is dedicated to the dancing show, some fans aired their thoughts on why Kai had been ‘snubbed’

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Earlier this week Kai opened up about the show which launched on Saturday explaining that two boys couldn’t have a partner this series and he unfortunately was one of them

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In this year’s line-up, only six women will compete against nine men – a first in the show’s history

The male-heavy line-up follows a flurry of bullying allegations after Amanda Abbington and Zara McDermott spoke about their experiences in rehearsals.

This year, Giovanni Pernice, 33, and Graziano Di Prima were on the receiving end of allegations they had mistreated their celebrity dance partners.

Giovanni has vehemently denied any wrongdoing while Graziano, 30, initially confirmed and regretted his actions against Zara.

The identities of the contestants competing in series 22 of Strictly, beginning in September, were unveiled from August 5.

It comes after it was confirmed that a verdict on the Giovanni-Amanda Abbington row is expected to be announced within days.

The Strictly scandal erupted when Sherlock actress Amanda quit the show in 2023.

She claimed that her dancing partner Giovanni was abusive towards her which led to her later quitting the show.

In July, Graziano was sacked, accused of ‘kicking’ his celebrity dancing partner Love Island star Zara McDermott during their time together.

STRICTLY LINE-UP 2024

Chris McCausland

Age: 46

Profession: Comedian

Chris says: ‘If anybody out there is thinking – How the hell is he going to do that? – then rest assured that I am thinking exactly the same thing.’

Dr. Punam Krishan

 Age: Unknown

Profession: GP and broadcaster

Punam says: ‘I have watched Strictly every year and it feels extra special that it’s the 20th year, I can’t believe I will be the one getting Strictly-fied.’

Toyah Willcox

Age: 66

Profession: Singer, actor, presenter

Toyah says: ‘I’m super excited and love this show. To be a part of it, the spray tan the glitter. Its a landmark year for me I came a pensioner, Glasto and now I get spray tans.’

 Pete Wicks

Age: 36

Profession: Reality star

Pete says: ‘Dancing live in front of the nation every Saturday? Absolutely terrifying.’

 Shayne Ward

Age: 39

Profession: Actor and singer

Shayne says: ‘I’m no stranger to live TV, but dancing Latin and Ballroom in front of millions is a whole new level.’

Tom Dean

Age: 24

Profession: Olympic medal winning swimmer

Tom says: ‘Now I can officially talk about how excited I am to get stuck into something new, meet some brilliant people and get dancing’

Nick Knowles

Age: 61

Profession: TV presenter

Nick says: ‘I am going to really go for it I will throw myself at it 100 per cent!’

Montell Douglas

Age: 38

Profession: Former Team GB Olympian and current Gladiator

Montell says: ‘Hopefully a few of my Gladiator moves will come in handy with the Tango or Paso Doble!’

 JB Gill

 Age: 37

Profession: Singer

JB says: ‘A lot of the ballroom styles are very alien to me – I didn’t do those dances growing up. I am not a trained dancer.’

 Wynne Evans

Age: 52

Profession: Opera singer, presenter

 Wynne says: ‘The stuff I’m nervous about is the ones that involve jumping, I don’t really want to do the jive, I’m nervous about that.

 Tasha Ghouri

Age: 25

Profession: Model and reality star

Tasha says: ‘I’ve been watching the show since I was little – it’s a firm Ghouri family favourite – so this is a total dream come true.’

 Sarah Hadland

Age: 53

Profession: Actress

Sarah says: ‘I feel particularly excited to be part of such an iconic show in its 20th year.’

Jamie Borthwick

Age: 30

Profession: EastEnders star

Jamie says: ‘I had a ball doing the Christmas special, so when I was asked to join it was the easiest yes!’

Sam Quek

Age: 35

Profession: Former GB hockey player and presenter

Sam says: ‘I am so relieved it is out there now it has been hard to keep a secret! The rumours were spreading and I had to lie! I am used to dancing on a girls night out but I will give it my all’

Paul Merson

Age: 56

Profession: Former footballer

Paul says: ‘I won’t worry about it until it starts but when it does I will be nervous – I have only danced three times in my life!’