Strictly Come Dancing fans were excited to see the return of their favorite pros on the 2025 live tour, but for Kai Widdrington, the tour’s start has come with some bittersweet feelings. 

Kai recently opened up about how gutted he is that his co-star and close friend, Johannes “Jojo” Radebe, won’t be joining him for the show’s arena tour. 

The news left Kai a little down, as they had shared a close bond on the BBC One show’s 20th-anniversary series.

While Kai didn’t have a celebrity partner during the 2024 series of *Strictly*, he was still very much part of the show’s vibrant energy. 

He performed in the group numbers and took part in the musical acts, all while supporting his fellow pros and the celebrities each week. 

Fans were disappointed that Kai didn’t have a dance partner in the competition, but his energetic performances and undeniable charisma kept him in the hearts of viewers. 

The 2025 live tour, which kicked off on January 14 in Birmingham, brings a fresh sense of excitement for the stars, but it’s not without its challenges. While Kai is thrilled to be hitting the road again, it’s clear that he’s disappointed by Jojo’s absence. “I’m gutted he’s not here,” Kai shared in an interview at the launch of the Strictly Live tour. The pair had a fantastic working relationship during the anniversary series, and their connection on-screen was a highlight for many fans. Unfortunately, Jojo has had to decline the invitation to tour due to his commitments with the hit musical *Kinky Boots*, where he is making his debut.

In a touching moment, Montell Douglas, Kai’s new dance partner for the live tour, comforted him by acknowledging how important Jojo was to their journey on the show. Montell, who was paired with Jojo during the 2024 series, expressed her own sadness about his absence. “I am sad Jojo isn’t here. As we did the show together and we had the connection, so I am sorry he isn’t here,” Montell admitted. But despite the absence of their former partner, both Kai and Montell remain excited about the tour ahead.

Their new partnership, which was recently revealed during rehearsals, has already generated a lot of buzz. Fans have taken to social media to express their excitement, with many commenting on how much they are looking forward to seeing the new duo perform. One fan wrote, “So here for this partnership! Roll on 31st Jan,” while another commented, “Getting to dance with both Jojo and Kai, what a dream.” The new pairing has undoubtedly sparked curiosity, and many are eager to see how the chemistry between Kai and Montell will translate on stage.

Kai has been quick to reassure fans that despite the absence of Jojo, this tour will be a fantastic experience for everyone involved. “We’re going to have such a great time,” Montell said, offering support to her new partner. The tour promises to deliver the energy, fun, and passion that fans have come to expect from *Strictly Come Dancing*.

Jojo’s absence may have cast a shadow over the excitement, but it hasn’t dampened the enthusiasm for what promises to be a memorable tour. As always, the *Strictly* pros are showing their resilience, and fans are sure to get behind the new partnerships and performances that lie ahead. For Kai, it’s a mix of emotions—he’s thrilled to be back on stage, but will undoubtedly miss the camaraderie he shared with Jojo on the show.

As the tour continues, fans will be treated to new moments of magic and new pairings, all while keeping their fingers crossed for Jojo’s return in future performances. The Strictly tour has always been a celebration of the show’s best dancers, and while it may not be quite the same without Jojo, the partnership between Kai and Montell is already proving to be a highlight of the 2025 live tour.

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