BBC Strictly Come Dancing star shares powerful mental health message

Strictly Come Dancing professional Kai Widdrington has shared a powerful message with his fans

Strictly Come Dancing's Kai Widdrington has taken to Instagram to share a poignant message about mental health with his followers.

On October 10, the professional dancer posted a monochrome snapshot of himself, accompanied by the caption: "Challenges can come at any time and any place. Mental health doesn't differentiate, it can affect us all."

"The challenges don't have to define us, however - we can find a way through even the darkest times. Take a moment whenever you need to, to pause, breath, reconnect and find a way forward."

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The dancer's fans were quick to express their gratitude for his words in the comments section of the post. One follower wrote: "So needed."

"Such an important post," commented another, while a third said: "Thank you for talking about it and trying to take the stigma out of it."

Strictly Come Dancing returned for its 2024 series last month. However, with a line-up of nine male and six female celebrities, there was less space for male professionals in the main cast - and Kai was one of the stars who didn't make the cut.

"Everyone wants to get a celebrity. Unfortunately, it wasn't my time this series," Kai revealed to the Daily Star following the announcement of the line-up.

"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."

Kai also shared with his fans that he has been part of some "amazing" group routines with his fellow professionals, saying: "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."

Strictly Come Dancing graces our screens on Saturdays on BBC One, while its companion show Strictly: It Takes Two lights up weeknights on BBC Two. Viewers can catch up with both programmes on BBC iPlayer.