Kai Widdrington has shared his support for his father, Tommy Widdrington, following a significant career update
Jessica Sansome TV and Celebrity Editor and Jane Lavender
08:00, 06 Nov 2025
Strictly Come Dancing stars Kai Widdrington and Vicky Pattison(Image: Vicky Pattison Instagram)
Strictly Come Dancing’s Kai Widdrington has voiced his backing for his father, Tommy Widdrington, a well-known name in the English Football League, after a major career announcement.
Many might not realise that Kai’s dad, Tommy, enjoyed a distinguished football career, featuring spells at Grimsby Town from 1996 before transferring to Port Vale in 1999 where he penned a professional deal with the Valiants.
Tommy also turned out for Hartlepool United and Macclesfield Town before returning to Port Vale to wrap up his Football League journey.
He then spent five years at non-league outfit Salisbury City from 2005 to 2010 before moving into coaching positions.
Kai was enthusiastic in his backing as Tommy’s newest career development was revealed, reports Wales Online. It has been confirmed that Tommy is poised to return to Eastbourne Borough FC as their First Team Manager.
Strictly Come Dancing’s Kai Widdrington with his dad, Tommy(Image: Kai Widdrington Instagram)
The club announced that the 54-year-old has penned a long-term deal and will be heading back to The Sports, having previously enjoyed a fruitful five-year spell from 2012 to 2017.
Posting the announcement on his Instagram Story, Kai demonstrated his pride by simply writing: “That’s my dad! @ebfc_official [flame emoji].”
In December, whilst managing National League outfit Aldershot Town, Tommy suffered a serious health scare, with the club releasing a statement at the time. The club released a statement on behalf of his family, which read: “Being of good health prior to Wednesday, and historically in general, his response to this episode and the initial treatment has been very encouraging. He has made very good progress and is feeling and looking a lot better already.
“He returned home late Tuesday afternoon to begin further rehabilitation. He is very appreciative of all the messages of encouragement he’s received from all corners of the football world.”
His family also expressed at the time: “He also wants The Shots fans to know he has total faith in the staff and the players in his absence and looks forward to being back in the dugout when he’s deemed fit enough to do so.
“Tommy’s wife, Sharon, and immediate family have of course rallied and will continue to support his recovery and hope and have made this statement in the hope that it will quash any possibility of misinformation being circulated.”
