Nadiya Hussain and Kai Widdrington were partnered together on the 2021 series of the popular BBC show The Great British Bake Off. Their close bond and undeniable chemistry led many viewers to speculate whether they were in a romantic relationship off-screen.
Quick Answer
No, Nadiya and Kai are not in a romantic relationship. They developed a strong friendship as dance partners on Strictly Come Dancing in 2021, but both have denied that they are anything more than friends.
Who is Nadiya Hussain?
Nadiya Hussain is a British TV personality, chef, author and broadcaster. She first came to public attention when she won the sixth series of The Great British Bake Off in 2015. Since winning Bake Off, Nadiya has gone on to have a successful career in food and broadcasting. Some key facts about Nadiya:
- Born: 25 December 1984 (age 38)
- Birthplace: London, England
- Ethnic background: British Bangladeshi
- Occupation: Baker, author, columnist, TV presenter
- Known for: Winning The Great British Bake Off in 2015
- Spouse: Abdal Hussain (married 2007-present)
- Children: 3 children – sons Musa and Dawud, daughter Maryam
Nadiya was born in London to Bangladeshi parents and grew up in Luton, Bedfordshire. Prior to Bake Off, she was a stay-at-home mother to three children. Winning Bake Off catapulted her cooking career, leading to bestselling cookbooks, a contract with BBC for TV shows and becoming a household name.
Who is Kai Widdrington?
Kai Widdrington is a professional dancer and TV star. He first became known competing on Britain’s Got Talent in 2012 as a solo dancer. Since then, his career highlights include:
- Appearing on Dancing With the Stars Ireland – finished 5th place
- Joining Strictly Come Dancing as a professional dancer in 2021
- Partnered with TV presenter AJ Odudu on Strictly in 2021 – the pair came in 2nd place
- Partnered with baker Nadiya Hussain on a 2022 Strictly live tour
Kai was born in Southampton in 1991 and comes from a family of dancers. He specializes in Latin dance styles. Kai made a big impression in his first Strictly series with his contemporary choreography and friendship with AJ.
Nadiya and Kai’s Partnership
Nadiya and Kai were matched as dance partners for the 2022 Strictly Come Dancing live tour. Each year, Strictly professionals and celebrities from the most recent series participate in a nationwide arena tour after the TV show ends.
Nadiya and Kai did not dance together on the 2021 TV series. But producers presumably matched them together for the tour because of their similar ages, warm personalities and performance skills.
As tour partners, Nadiya and Kai had to learn a series of Ballroom and Latin dance routines to perform together on stage. This required them to spend many hours a day in dance rehearsals together leading up to and during the tour.
Their Performance
By all accounts, Nadiya and Kai hit it off right away and loved dancing with each other on tour. They brought incredible energy and joy to their routines. Fans loved seeing their natural chemistry and how supportive they were of one another.
Some of their tour performances that stood out included:
- A joyful, high-energy Salsa to “Follow the Leader” by Soca Boys
- A romantic Rumba to “Only You” by Kylie Minogue and James Corden
- A contemporary dance to “Running Up That Hill” by Kate Bush
Their tour run culminated with 3 shows at The O2 Arena in London. On the last night, Nadiya paid tribute to Kai on Instagram, saying: “I never wanted this to end! Thank you for holding my hand and making me laugh every day.”
Relationship Speculation
Almost immediately, Nadiya and Kai’s natural chemistry and close bond sparked speculation among fans and the press that they were secretly dating or in love.
Certain moments fueled the rumors:
- Kai affectionately kissing Nadiya on the head during a performance
- The pair staying close together backstage and on tour bus rides
- Flirty exchanges caught on camera
- Nadiya’s warm tribute message to Kai after their last show
However, both Nadiya and Kai repeatedly denied they were anything more than friends. Some examples:
- Nadiya told ITV’s Lorraine show: “We have such a great time. But no, [we’re not dating]. We’re just friends.”
- Kai told a tabloid newspaper: “There’s nothing but friendship…she is just so lovely.”
- Nadiya told another outlet: “We became really good mates. He’s such a sweetheart.”
Why People Thought They Were Together
There were several understandable reasons why Nadiya and Kai sparked so many romance rumors:
- Obvious close bond – Their natural chemistry and ability to be so comfortable with each other made people assume they were more than friends.
- Flirty banter – Fans picked up on playful banter between them in interviews and Instagram Live videos.
- Touching gestures – Moments like Kai kissing Nadiya’s head seemed beyond just friendly affection.
- Relationship timing – Both were coming off other relationships, seeming potentially available.
- Wishful thinking – Fans were charmed by the pair and hoped they were dating.
Nadiya herself said she understood why people would make the assumption. But she emphasized they only ever shared a special friendship as dancers and colleagues.
Why Nadiya and Kai Are Not Together
Despite all the speculation, here are the key reasons why Nadiya and Kai are not in fact a romantic couple:
- They denied it – Nadiya and Kai consistently shut down dating rumors and said they were “just friends.”
- Both were single – As single adults, their chemistry likely felt natural and uncomplicated.
- Nadiya is married – She has been very happily married to husband Abdal since 2005.
- Kai was linked to someone else – Rumors linked him to fellow Strictly pro Nadiya Bychkova during the tour.
- Strictly curse unlikely – Nadiya seemed highly unlikely to leave her marriage for an affair with her dance partner.
Ultimately, as close as they were as friends and dance partners, they did not actually cross the line into romance. Both value their friendship greatly, without it needing to become anything more.
Nadiya’s Thoughts on the Rumors
Nadiya has been gracious about the dating speculation and understands why people jumped to conclusions. In interviews, she has made it clear:
- She adores Kai as a friend and dance partner.
- They had the best time dancing together on tour.
- Their natural chemistry was obvious but entirely platonic.
- She is 100% committed to her marriage and family.
She holds no hard feelings about the rumors. As she said herself, “It comes with the territory.” She accepts the gossip as an occupational hazard of life in the spotlight.
Kai’s Thoughts on the Rumors
Like Nadiya, Kai has taken the relationship speculation in stride and been unequivocal that they are just close friends. His stance is clear:
- He and Nadiya clicked instantly as friends and dance partners.
- Their bond is completely platonic – they are like brother and sister.
- Romance rumors are an inevitable result of their undeniable chemistry.
- He respects Nadiya immensely, on and off the dance floor.
Kai is unfazed by the gossip. He understands viewers were naturally charmed by their connection. But he emphasizes there is nothing more than a warm friendship and professional partnership between them.
Nadiya’s Marriage
Importantly, Nadiya has been very happily married to husband Abdal Hussain since 2005. The couple have 3 children together – sons Musa and Dawud, and daughter Maryam.
Nadiya often speaks warmly about her solid, loving marriage. She credits the support of her husband and family as a core pillar of her success since winning Bake Off.
She has showed no signs whatsoever of marital problems or intention to leave her husband. Their strong marriage is likely why she brushed off rumors of an affair with Kai as unfounded gossip.
Kai’s Current Relationship Status
As for Kai, he is believed to currently be single. But there were rumors he was involved with fellow Strictly pro Nadiya Bychkova during the live tour.
Nadiya Bychkova is newly single after splitting from her fiancé, Slovenian footballer Matija Škarabot. Kai and Nadiya B were photographed looking cozy off-stage on the tour, fueling dating whispers.
So while neither has confirmed they are dating, Kai is presumed not to be available for a romance with Nadiya Hussain. His relationship status is unclear, but unlikely to be single.
Conclusion
In summary, despite intense speculation and gossip, Nadiya Hussain and Kai Widdrington appear to just be very close friends. Their natural chemistry as tour dance partners sparked inevitable romance rumors.
But both have insisted repeatedly they are not a couple. Nadiya is happily married, while Kai was linked to someone else. They share a special friendship as dancers, but there is no evidence it ever became romantic.
The friendship and support they found together as Strictly partners is genuinely heartwarming. But fans longing for a fairytale romance will likely be disappointed. Nadiya and Kai maintain their relationship is purely platonic – and that seems the truth.
FAQ
Are Nadiya and Kai dating?
No, despite rumors, Nadiya and Kai are not dating. They are close friends and enjoyed a strong partnership on the Strictly tour, but both have confirmed repeatedly there is no romance between them.
Are Nadiya and Kai married?
No, absolutely not. Nadiya has been happily married to her husband Abdal since 2005. Kai is believed to be currently single, though he was linked to fellow pro Nadiya Bychkova during the Strictly tour.
Does Nadiya’s husband mind her friendship with Kai?
No indications. Nadiya always speaks very highly of her loving, supportive husband. It’s likely he trusts their marriage and is not concerned about her close friendship with Kai.
Did Kai and Nadiya date other people during the tour?
There were rumors Kai was romantically involved with pro dancer Nadiya Bychkova during the tour. Nadiya is firmly committed to her husband, so did not date anyone else.
Do Nadiya and Kai have chemistry?
Absolutely! Their chemistry performing together was electric and a big part of what fueled romance gossip. But both insist their connection is entirely platonic, despite their obvious close bond and affection.
