Tillie Amartey declares Kai Widdrington as top dance partner for potential Strictly Come Dancing 2026 appearance
Tillie Amartey would love to do Strictly Come Dancing in 2026, and she has named Kai Widdrington as her ideal dance partner.
Tillie Amartey wants to dance with Kai Widdrington on Strictly Come Dancing next year.
The Waterloo Road actress was tipped to replace Dani Dyer after the former Love Island contestant was forced to withdraw from the BBC Latin and ballroom dance show due to fracturing her ankle during rehearsal on September 19.
On September 26, Amber Davies, 28, was confirmed as Dani's replacement, but Tillie is hoping to compete for the coveted Glitterball Trophy in 2026 if the BBC will have her.
Speaking exclusively to BANG Showbiz at the Inside Soap Awards in London on Monday night (29.09.25), she said: "I would never, ever say no to Strictly. It’s absolute magic that show is. It’s all sparkles, sequins, speculation, and it’s about fitting the jigsaw puzzle when it fits right for you."
Tillie would love to be partnered up with 20-year-old professional dancer Kai because he is tall and would be a good match for her on the dancefloor as a lady not lacking in height.
She explained: "I don’t think they do Cuban heels for 5ft 11 to match - I’m pretty tall!
"I mean, I’d just be grateful for anyone. I mean, I danced with Neil on the Christmas special.
"But I don’t know - a tall dancer, Kai maybe? Who knows!"
In 2023, Tillie took part in the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special, and with her 43-year-old professional dance partner Neil Jones, they graced the ballroom floor with their festive jive.
And Tillie, 22, has declared it as one of her career highlights so far.
She said: "I was so proud of myself for doing that - it’s one of my greatest achievements so far."
Dani - who was partnered up with 27-year-old professional dance partner Nikita Kuzmin - pulled out of Strictly Come Dancing after she fell and fractured her ankle during rehearsal on September 19.
Tillie became the favourite to replace Dani, and the actress felt "honoured" that she was on the shortlist and that the public wanted her to compete.
She said: "I mean, obviously, rumours, there’s always rumours.
"When somebody drops out, which is obviously devastating, that is the main priority that Dani actually is OK.
"And I mean, I’m honoured that people are speculating that it could be me.
"I would never, ever say no to Strictly. It’s absolute magic that show is.
"And it’s all sparkles, sequins, speculation, and it’s about fitting the jigsaw puzzle when it fits right for you."
