Strictly pro Kai Widdrington reveals he will be back dancing next week for Blackpool special as he issues health update after pulling out of live show and being hospitalised

Strictly pro Kai Widdrington has revealed he will be back dancing next week for the Blackpool special as he issued a health update after pulling out of this weekend's live show with his partner Delta Goodrem and being hospitalised.

The dancer, 31, could not compete due to a mystery illness as fellow pro Aljaz Skorjanec jumped in to take his place as he and Australian singer Delta, 42, danced an Argentine Tango to Missing by Everything But The Girl.

Delta said on Saturday's show: 'It was an extremely crazy week and obviously we're so sad that Kai got so unwell yesterday, he had to go to the hospital.'

But on Sunday night Kai took to Instagram to issue an update as he confirmed he would be back dancing next week and thanked medical staff at the hospital for taking such good care of him.

He said: 'Hello everyone, Kai here. I just thought I'd come on here and check in, let you know how I'm doing and clear a few things up. 

'First of all, I just want to say a massive, massive thank you to Aljaž for stepping in last night at, quite literally, the last minute. 

'I mean, I was on my way to hospital and he got the call at, I don't know, five thirty or something on Friday. He came in, rehearsed with Delta until the evening and then again in the morning. So, I can't thank him enough, he did such an amazing job and absolutely smashed the dance.

'And of course, to my amazing dance partner Delta, who just dealt with everything so amazingly, like a pro. Dancing with someone new in the space of 24 hours is absolutely unheard of in this show. 

'And also, to do an Argentine Tango to that level, I was gleaming with pride and extremely proud watching from home. So, well done.'

Sharing an update on his health, Kai went on: 'Of course, myself, I've been a bit unwell. I had to go to hospital, but the good news is I'm on the mend. And the main thing is I'm back this week and I'm back for the rest of the season. So, I'm on the mend, all is good.

'I just want to say a massive thank you to the people who looked after me. The paramedics and the people at the hospital in Barnet. I want to say a massive thank you to them, they were absolutely amazing, they got me feeling better a lot quicker than I thought I would be. 

'And of course, my amazing girlfriend, who's been giving me all the TLC that I've needed, making me lots of soup and lots of lovely pancakes.

'I'll be back next week. We're in Blackpool, we've made it back to Blackpool and I can't wait to go there with my wonderful dance partner Delta. We're going to be training all week and we're going to be heading up there in the week, and I can't wait.'

It was announced on Friday that Kai was not well enough to perform. Delta then sparked fears Kai will have to quit when she revealed his condition was so serious he had to be hospitalised. 

Delta said on Saturday's show: 'We're both sending him so much love watching tonight. I'm so proud of my dance partner and no doubt he'll be strong and come back.'

Delta also shared how she had to rehearse with three different partners throughout the week.

It's been a rocky competition for Delta and Kai, who were forced to skip week four of the competition due to Delta suffering a rib injury in rehearsals. 

Under the show's rules, they were granted a bye to the following week. 

Despite their many setbacks, Delta scored a total of 35 points out of 40 on Saturday – her highest score of the competition so far – after impressing with her Argentine Tango.

In a statement on Friday, they said: '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. We're sending Kai all our love and hope he feels better soon.'

As week eight of the programme kicked off, Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe expressed their gratitude for Aljaz as they addressed Kai's absence.

As Emma explained the situation to viewers, Johannes said: 'Hi papi, get well soon please and Aljaz thank you for stepping in!'