Strictly's Nadiya is 'forcing smiles' – while ex Kai has 'made himself invisible' amid backstage feud

10/31/2024 02:45 PM

Strictly’s Nadiya Bychkova and Kai Widdrington are “uncomfortable” in each other’s presence, according to a body language expert.

The Sun revealed that dancers Nadiya, 35, and ex Kai, 29 are avoiding each other behind the scenes following their break-up.

Things are so frosty between the former couple that they are standing on opposite sides of the set during live broadcasts.

There are tell-tale signs that the pair are happy, with Nadiya

Now a body language expert believes that Kai is “making himself invisible” by standing at the back of the clauditorium.

While Nadiya is remaining civil by “forcing a smile” when the cameras are on her, but is finding the process “frustrating”.

Speaking on behalf of Betfair Casino, Darren Stanton said: "Kai and Nadiya are doing their best to remain professional and civil with each other as they are still colleagues, but we can see from Nadiya's facial expressions and body language, that she is finding this frustrating and hard to navigate.

“As well as physically distancing herself from Kai, Nadiya's smiles are slightly forced, which reveals she feels tense.

“She is trying to put on a brave face in an attempt to hide how she's feeling.”

Darren pointed out that the “levels of awkwardness” are clear to see by them distancing themselves from each other.

He continued: "It's an awkward situation for both of them. Kai almost made himself invisible by standing at the other side of the room and far at the back.

“He's almost hiding behind the other dancers, too. It's telling us that he wants to be out of the way and to remove himself from the situation.

“One of the biggest signs that two people aren't comfortable in a situation is the distance between them. It's a massive indicator of how people truly feel about each other.

“The fact they aren't close together in the same room suggests there is some level of awkwardness."

The Sun have reached out to a Strictly rep for comment.

Every Saturday night, the pros and celebrities are required to gather in the ‘Clauditorium’ after each Strictly pairing has performed.

But when Claudia Winkleman is interviewing the contestants, Kai and Nadiya purposely stand on opposite sides.

A source told The Sun: “It’s painfully obvious Nadiya and Kai are in the awkward post-break up phase and struggling to be near one another. 

“Obviously that’s the risk that comes with dating someone at work, so they’re both trying their best to steer clear of each other.

“When the pair are in the Clauditorium, they’re always on opposite sides. Although they may have big smiles on their faces when the cameras are running, it’s been very tense between them. 

“They refuse to be near each other at all on set- but there’s not much room up there with all the professionals.

“They just have to do their best to avoid each other every weekend.”

Strictly insiders insist the exes remain “completely professional and cordial” behind the scenes – despite the bitter break up.

Former Strictly Come Dancing couple Kai and Nadiya split over the summer after two years of dating.

Following their break-up it was reported that bosses at Strictly were considering banning workplace romances due to the tension it can cause backstage.

An insider told the Daily Mail that such romances “have the potential to create negative situations for Strictly and the BBC“.

In September, was claimed Kai and Nadiya had to be kept apart at the National Television Awards.

An onlooker said: “When the pair got inside the O2 they gave each other a very wide berth.

“Organisers had ensured there would be no awkward camera shots by keeping the frosty pair apart from each other.”

Earlier this month, Nadiya gave an update on her feelings towards her ex.

The star, who is mum to seven-year-old Mila from a previous relationship, told The Mirror: “We work together but we are not friends and that's ok.

“One thing I can tell you is that when you see me dancing with him it will be amazing because I'm a professional.”

Kai and Nadiya called time on their romance, which began in 2022, after a stint on tour together.

There was no third party involved and pals said the pair just "grew apart" after two "blissful" years together.