Strictly’s AJ Odudu ‘found it hard’ being ‘constantly’ quizzed on Kai Widdrington dating rumours but was ‘focused on dancing’

has admitted it was difficult getting ’a lot of attention’ over rumours she was dating professional partner, , during the 2021 series.

AJ, 34 and Kai, 26, soon became one of the favourite couples to win last year and went from strength to strength during the latter’s first year on the programme.

They made it all the way to the final before , after AJ tour a ligament in her foot.

However, the pair’s sizzling chemistry on the dance floor was undeniable, leading many to question whether there were sparks off the dance floor, too. 

At the time, they never confirmed or denied whether they were dating, with Kai now in a relationship with fellow Strictly pro, , 32.

But speaking about the partnership, she said she still has a ‘strong bond’ with Kai as well as many of the other stars of last year’s show.

She said: ‘I found it easy not to be distracted. I was working so hard and was so focussed on my performances each week.

‘It is hard when you’re receiving a lot of attention and are constantly asked the same questions but honestly, Kai and myself were so focused and we just wanted it to be the best experience it could be.’

AJ went on to reminisce on the special shared experience, adding to : ‘It was a dream show for Kai, it was a dream show for me, and I will always be Kai’s first-ever dance partner on Strictly and I had the most incredible experience with him and formulated a strong bond with him and the rest of the people on the show last year.’

Fans often speculated there was something brewing between the pair, but they always played it down when quizzed on TV or during interviews.

AJ previously joked that the rumours were actually slowing down her real prospects, .

A source told The Sun during the series run that there were ‘sparks’ backstage between them, while an insider told  that they had become ‘inseparable’.

But the pair have clearly remained firm friends, and we’re sure AJ will be cheering on Kai from the comfort of her sofa when he returns to the dance floor later this year.

Meanwhile, on Sunday night as they enjoyed a night at the Queen and Adam Lambert concert at ’s O2 Arena on Sunday. 

In the snap, the couple are seen hugging with the packed-out crowd behind them as Nadiya affectionately places a hand on Kai’s chest. He simply captioned the image with a red heart emoji. 

The professional dancers are believed to have  during the latest series of the BBC One competition. 

Strictly Come Dancing returns later this year to BBC One.