Tillie Amartey wishes to dance with Kai Widdrington on Strictly Come Dancing in 2026

Tillie Amartey wants to dance with Kai Widdrington on Strictly Come Dancing next year.

The Waterloo Road actress was tipped to replace Dani Dyer, 29, after the Love Island star withdraw from the hit BBC Latin and ballroom dance show due to fracturing her ankle during rehearsal on September 19.

On September 26, the corporation confirmed 28-year-old actress Amber Davies as Dani's replacement, but Tillie, 22, is hoping to get her turn in competing for the coveted Glitterball Trophy in 2026.

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.

"And 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 30-year-old professional dancer Kai because he is tall (6ft 2in).

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 the star declared that experience as one of her life's highlights.

Tillie admited: "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 people speculated her.

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."