Strictly Come Dancing’s Kai Widdrington has made a splash with partner Vicky Pattison on this year’s show. But behind all that glitz and glamour lies some serious heartbreak.
Given that his father, Tommy Widdrington, is a former Premier League footballer and manager, it’s fair to say that fame runs in Kai’s blood. However, the tight-knit family faced a serious crisis last year as the patriarch suffered two strokes.
Strictly Come Dancing’s Kai Widdrington’s father was hospitalised
Tommy, who was treated in Southend General Hospital, had two ischaemic strokes. At the time, his club, Aldershot Town, released a statement on behalf of the family.
“Being of good health prior to Wednesday, and historically in general, his response to this episode and the initial treatment has been very encouraging,” the statement read.
“He is very appreciative of all the messages of encouragement he’s received from all corners of the football world.”
‘Thank you for the love and support’
The statement continued: “He also wants The Shots fans to know he has total faith in the staff and the players in his absence and looks forward to being back in the dugout when he’s deemed fit enough to do so.
“Tommy’s wife, Sharon, and immediate family have of course rallied and will continue to support his recovery and hope and have made this statement in the hope that it will quash any possibility of misinformation being circulated,” the statement concluded.
The family rallied round Tommy, and in a short message to fans on his Instagram at the time, Kai said: “Thank you to everyone who has sent their messages of love and support.”
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Kai’s tribute to the ‘best dad’
Father’s Day this year saw Kai pay a sweet tribute to his dad. He posted a series of pictures of himself with his dad. The cutest was Kai as a youngster, though, sitting in the football changing room with his dad.
He captioned it: “Happy Father’s Day Dad. The best dad anyone could ask for.”
Kai also has a young brother, Theo, and sister, Tia.
Strictly Come Dancing’s results show is on BBC One tonight (November 2) at 7.15pm.
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