LONDON, November 13, 2026 — Strictly Come Dancing professional Kai Widdrington will miss Saturday’s live show after falling ill, with former champion Aljaž Škorjanec stepping in to partner Australian singer Delta Goodrem for their Argentine Tango.

The last-minute switch was announced on Friday’s edition of Strictly: It Takes Two, just a day before the November 14 performance. Delta will remain in the competition, while Kai’s return date has not been announced.

Why Is Kai Widdrington Missing Strictly?

The BBC confirmed the change in a statement shared by the programme:

“Due to illness, Kai is unable to dance on tomorrow night’s show. Instead, Aljaz will step in to dance the Argentine Tango with Delta.”

The Strictly team also sent Kai their love and wished him a speedy recovery. No further details about his illness were disclosed.

The news is another setback for Delta, who missed the October 17 show after suffering a rib injury. She was granted a one-week bye before returning to the ballroom with Kai.

Speaking about her earlier injury, Delta admitted she was “absolutely gutted” to miss a performance. Her determination to return was evident when the pair resumed competing, with Kai previously revealing that she wanted their performances to remain “iconic”.

Aljaž Škorjanec Returns to Dance With Delta Goodrem

Aljaž, who won Strictly Come Dancing with Abbey Clancy in 2013, returns to the competition following his earlier elimination alongside Gavin & Stacey actress Melanie Walters.

The Slovenian professional brings years of ballroom experience, although stepping into an established partnership at short notice presents a challenge.

Saturday’s Argentine Tango demands precise footwork, sharp changes of direction and close coordination between dancers. Delta will have to adjust to Aljaž’s timing and movement after spending weeks rehearsing with Kai.

Her experience as a singer and live performer may help with the transition, particularly in a dance that relies heavily on dramatic expression and musical interpretation.

How Have Kai and Delta Performed on Strictly 2026?

Delta has been among the stronger contestants this series despite her earlier injury.

During Week 7 on November 7, she and Kai performed a Cha Cha Cha to Jennifer Lopez’s Let’s Get Loud, earning 31 out of 40 points and placing third on the leaderboard.

Anton Du Beke awarded the couple nine points, while Motsi Mabuse scored them eight. Craig Revel Horwood and Shirley Ballas each gave seven.

The result kept Delta in contention as the competition approached its Blackpool special.

See the Strictly Come Dancing 2026 Week 7 leaderboard and full judges’ scores for the other contestants’ performances.

Strictly Faces Another Shake-Up Ahead of Blackpool

Kai’s withdrawal follows a dramatic week in the competition, which saw Bethany Antonia eliminated after a dance-off against Cach Mercer.

Head judge Shirley Ballas used her casting vote to save Cach following a split decision among the judges.

Read our report on Bethany Antonia’s Strictly Come Dancing elimination.

Meanwhile, actress Jaime Winstone is expected to return with Carlos Gu after missing the previous show because of an abdominal muscle injury.

For Delta, Saturday’s performance will be an opportunity to demonstrate how quickly she can adapt to a new partner while competing for a place in the next stage of the competition.

Strictly Come Dancing airs Saturday, November 14, on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

Sources: RTÉ Entertainment / PA Media | Digital Spy