Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Strictly Come Dancing: AJ Odudu says on-screen ‘romance’ with Kai Widdrington has put off ‘potential suitors’

Fans have speculated over a possible relationship between the TV presenter and her dance partner

Annabel Nugent
Friday 10 December 2021 07:39 GMT
Comments
AJ Odudu performs ‘best dance of the evening’ in Strictly Come Dancing debut

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Strictly Come Dancing star AJ Odudu has joked that her on-screen relationship with professional partner Kai Widdrington has hampered her love life.

Rumours surrounding a possible romance between Odudu and Widdrington have been circulating due to the pair’s steamy dance routines.

In an interview with The Sun ahead of this weekend’s semi-final, the TV presenter opened up about how her alleged chemistry with Widdrington has led to a lack of “potential suitors”.

The 33-year-old said: “Oh my gosh, my direct messages are dry. I’ve not had one direct message from a potential suitor, that is not happening.”

Odudu went on to say she believes the lack of romantic interest is due to her partnership with Widdrington, 26.

“[Any potential suitor has] witnessed me wrap my legs around Kai every week!” she said.

Speaking about Widdrington, Odudu called her dance partner “funny”, “kind” and “patient”. She added that “he’s going to be in my life forever”.

Across this series of Strictly, fans have speculated on whether the pair are dating in real life considering their romantic routines.

(BBC iPlayer)

During movie week in October, microphones picked up Widdrington whispering “I love you so much” in Odudu’s ear.

Odudu, however, has previously denied rumours of a romance during an interview on Zoe Ball’s Radio 2 breakfast show.

Apple TV+ logo

Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days

New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled

Try for free
Apple TV+ logo

Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days

New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled

Try for free

Speaking about their chemistry in the movie week episode, during which they did a dance routine inspired by The Bodyguard, Odudu said: “I was playing Rachel, he was playing Frank. They were in love!”

Odudu and Widdrington are preparing for this Saturday’s episode (11 December) which will see the pair compete to secure a spot in the Strictly 2021 finals.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in