Strictly Come Dancing professionals Kai Widdrington and Nadiya Bychkova shut down speculation of a backstage feud on the BBC show.
Nadia, who joined Strictly in 2017, was joined on the show by her now beau Kai in 2021, as the two discussed how hard it is to lose someone on the show. Kai was paired up with Loose Women star Kaye Adams, and unfortunately got the boot in the first week of the ballroom dancing competition as he went head to head with Nadiya and Matt Goss.
Last Sunday, broadcaster Richie Anderson and pro dancer Giovanni Pernice were next to exit the competition after a fierce dance off against Fleur East. Speaking to the Mirror at the National Television Awards, Nadiya and Kai spoke of how hard it is to see contestants leave the show due to their close backstage relationships.
There have been rumours of a feud between departed contestant Richie and Giovanni, whilst some fans have spotted feuds between judge Shirley Ballas and Matt Goss. There is also said to be drama between the four judges - whilst others claimed they think there is some tension between Nadiya and her partner Matt.
Discussing the rumoured tension, Nadiya said: "We just take it week by week, dance by dance. To be honest, we're working hard every week. It's just really hard to see people go every week.
"I just wish everyone could stay. It's like a big family and this year, everyone is so nice and sweet between each other and it was really sad for Kaye to go, for Richie to go. This year, I don't know who will go next because everyone's so good."
Of the tough competition this year, she added: "You don't know what to expect. It will probably depend on what dance, which style, literally week by week. There's no weak celebrities this year." Kai then explained the pressure they are all under to perform on the Saturday night.
"And the thing is, everyone's taking it week by week. You haven't got time to focus on anyone else. You can only give the best yourself," the dancer - who crashed out of the competition in its second week with Loose Women star Kaye Adams - shared.
When it comes to the show, of course, Kai is only rooting for one couple. "Of course I'm team Matt and Nadiya. I'd love for them to win it. But anybody out there - it's such a strong line up - anyway can win. Everyone's working hard," he said of his girlfriend and her dance partner.
Nadiya previously revealed it has been a "dream" working with Matt. She said: "He approaches every task with such care and as his teacher, this is just a dream. Having competed all my life, it’s wonderful to train with someone who has the same hard-working attitude.
"We often have his dog Reggie here rehearsing with us and between dances I get to hear Matt sing. That’s where he feels most relaxed, at the piano singing. We are taking this week by week and we are grateful for every moment."
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