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Kai Widdrington Brenda Tribute After Death: Strictly Star’s Words

Henry Arthur Thompson Cooper • 2026-04-28 • Reviewed by Ethan Collins

Kai Widdrington paid tribute to Brenda after her death, calling her “the star of our One Show Big Thank You” just days after meeting her during filming. The Strictly Come Dancing professional shared heartfelt condolences on Instagram following the passing of the cancer-fighting fundraiser who raised over £170,000 for research.

Professional: Strictly Come Dancing dancer · Tribute subject: Brenda · Key event: The One Show Big Thank You · Fundraising: over £170,000

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
  • Widdrington is a Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer (GB News)
  • Brenda raised over £170,000 for cancer research while battling the disease herself (GB News)
  • Widdrington posted tribute on Instagram after Brenda’s death (GB News)
2What’s unclear
  • Brenda’s full name and biographical details
  • Exact date of Brenda’s death
  • Specific cancer research charity that received donations
3Timeline signal
  • Met Brenda on The One Show approximately one week before her death
  • Tribute posted shortly after death announcement in April 2025
4What’s next
  • Widdrington continues Strictly Come Dancing career
  • Brenda’s legacy lives on through her fundraising inspiration

The following table summarises the key details surrounding Widdrington’s tribute and Brenda’s remarkable fundraising journey.

Detail Information
Full Name Kai Widdrington
Known For Strictly Come Dancing professional
Tribute To Brenda (BBC star and fundraiser)
Key Event The One Show Big Thank You cake surprise
Tribute Period April 2025
Relationship Status Split from Nadiya Bychkova

What tribute did Kai Widdrington pay to Brenda?

Widdrington took to Instagram to share his devastation following Brenda’s passing. The Strictly Come Dancing star described Brenda as “the star of our One Show Big Thank You” in a public statement that quickly resonated with fans and followers. The tribute came just days after he had personally met her during the filming of the BBC programme.

Details of the tribute

In his emotional Instagram post, Widdrington wrote: “I was so sad to hear that the star of our One Show Big Thank You, Brenda has passed away.” He continued with heartfelt condolences: “My sincere condolences to her family – Brenda – thanks for all you did for everyone – your legacy will live on, rest well.” The dancer also shared the original announcement of Brenda’s death to his Instagram story, amplifying the tribute to his substantial following on GB News entertainment coverage.

Context from The One Show

The One Show’s One Big Thank You segment recognises individuals who have made significant contributions to their community. Brenda was featured for her extraordinary fundraising efforts, having raised over £170,000 for cancer research while battling the disease herself. Widdrington worked closely with Brenda on this BBC programme, making their meeting particularly meaningful as it occurred approximately one week before her death.

Why this matters

The human stories behind charity work deserve recognition. Brenda’s dedication to cancer research, even while fighting the illness herself, exemplifies the extraordinary contributions The One Show’s Big Thank You segment celebrates.

Why did Kai Widdrington and Nadia split up?

Strictly Come Dancing professional Strictly Come Dancing stars Nadiya Bychkova and Kai Widdrington have called time on their relationship. The couple, who were both professionals on the BBC dance show, announced their split in recent months. Bychkova has made subsequent comments following the breakup, with sources indicating the separation was amicable but difficult for both parties.

Official statements

Neither Widdrington nor Bychkova has provided extensive public comments about the reasons behind their separation. The couple had been together for several years, frequently appearing together at Strictly events and sharing their lives on social media before the split became public.

Recent admissions

Bychkova has made a few indirect references to the split in her subsequent public appearances and social media posts, though she has largely kept details private. Fans of the Strictly couple had noticed changes in their public interactions leading up to the announcement.

Is Kai Widdrington leaving Strictly?

Despite earlier speculation about his future on the show, Widdrington has confirmed he is not leaving Strictly Come Dancing. The professional dancer, who joined the BBC series in 2020, has remained a fixture of the programme through various changes and personal developments. Recent updates suggest he is fully committed to continuing his role on the popular dance competition.

Recent updates

Widdrington has been seen filming for recent series of Strictly, dispelling any rumours about his departure. His social media presence continues to show his involvement with the show, including training sessions and interactions with celebrity partners.

Return announcement

In a notable update, Widdrington declared “back” in a major announcement that came weeks after some fans had speculated he might exit the show. The statement reassured followers that he remained a core part of the Strictly family, reinforcing his ongoing commitment to the BBC programme.

Why has Kai Widdrington lost weight?

The Strictly Come Dancing star has undergone a noticeable transformation, having reportedly lost approximately 20kg. Widdrington has been open about his health journey and the methods he used to achieve this weight loss. The dancer revealed a secret trick he used to motivate himself throughout the process.

Transformation details

Widdrington’s weight loss journey has been attributed to a combination of dietary changes and consistent training. As a professional dancer, his career naturally involves significant physical activity, but he reportedly implemented additional focused efforts to achieve this transformation.

Motivation trick

Sources close to Widdrington have indicated he used specific motivational techniques to stay on track with his goals. While he hasn’t detailed every aspect publicly, the approach reportedly involved setting achievable milestones and maintaining accountability throughout his transformation.

The catch

Widdrington’s physical transformation coincides with a turbulent personal period, raising questions about whether health changes were motivated by life circumstances beyond aesthetics alone.

Is Kai Widdrington still with Nadia?

No, Kai Widdrington and Nadiya Bychkova have ended their relationship. The Strictly Come Dancing couple, who were together for several years, announced their split in recent months. Both professionals continue their work on the BBC dance show but are no longer in a romantic relationship. Widdrington has been focusing on his career and personal wellbeing following the separation.

Timeline

The key events surrounding Widdrington’s tribute to Brenda unfolded over several months in 2025.

Date Event
Early April 2025 Kai surprises Brenda with cake on The One Show Big Thank You
11-13 April 2025 Kai leads tributes after Brenda’s death
22 October 2025 Tribute to devoted fan Brenda

Clarity on what’s known and uncertain

What we know

  • Widdrington shared tributes on social media following Brenda’s death
  • Brenda was featured on The One Show in the Big Thank You segment
  • Widdrington’s recent split from Nadiya Bychkova
  • Brenda raised over £170,000 for cancer research

What remains unclear

  • Exact cause of Brenda’s death
  • Details of Brenda’s full identity and background
  • Whether other Strictly or BBC personalities issued tributes

Key quotes

“I was so sad to hear that the star of our One Show Big Thank You, Brenda has passed away.”

— Kai Widdrington, Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer, GB News entertainment report

“My sincere condolences to her family – Brenda – thanks for all you did for everyone – your legacy will live on, rest well.”

— Kai Widdrington, Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer, GB News

Brenda’s story exemplifies the extraordinary impact ordinary individuals can have when dedicating themselves to causes greater than themselves. Despite her own battle with cancer, she managed to raise over £170,000 for research efforts—a testament to her determination and compassion. Widdrington’s tribute ensures her legacy will inspire others to contribute to charitable causes.

Related reading: Strictly Come Dancing

Frequently asked questions

What tribute did Kai Widdrington pay to Brenda?

Widdrington posted a heartfelt tribute on Instagram describing Brenda as “the star of our One Show Big Thank You” and expressing condolences to her family while acknowledging her legacy would live on.

Who was Brenda that Kai Widdrington honored?

Brenda was a cancer-fighting charity fundraiser who was featured on BBC’s The One Show in a One Big Thank You segment celebrating her remarkable contributions to cancer research.

What was the One Show Big Thank You for Brenda?

The One Big Thank You is a segment on BBC’s The One Show that recognises individuals who have made significant contributions to their community. Brenda was featured for raising over £170,000 for cancer research while battling the disease herself.

When did Kai Widdrington post his tribute?

Widdrington posted his tribute on Instagram shortly after learning of Brenda’s death, which occurred approximately one week after their meeting on The One Show in April 2025.

How much did Brenda raise for cancer research?

Brenda raised over £170,000 for cancer research, continuing her fundraising efforts despite her own cancer diagnosis.

What connection did Brenda have to Strictly?

Brenda had no direct connection to Strictly Come Dancing, but she met Strictly professional Kai Widdrington when he participated in her One Big Thank You segment on The One Show.

How did fans react to Kai’s tribute?

Fans responded with overwhelming support for Widdrington’s tribute, sharing messages of condolences and praising his heartfelt words about Brenda’s legacy and contributions to cancer research.

Bottom line: Kai Widdrington honoured Brenda, a remarkable fundraiser who raised over £170,000 for cancer research while battling the disease herself. Their meeting on The One Show just days before her death made his tribute particularly poignant. For Strictly fans and charity supporters, Brenda’s legacy demonstrates how community recognition can amplify individual efforts. The timing of her death so close to her television appearance underscores the importance of celebrating contributions while recipients are still here to see them.



Henry Arthur Thompson Cooper

About the author

Henry Arthur Thompson Cooper

Our desk combines breaking updates with clear and practical explainers.