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sensation Kai Widdrington graced ITV's Lorraine with his presence, chatting to stand-in presenter Christine Lampard about his thrilling new tour. The professional dancer, aged 29, is buzzing with excitement for his latest venture, Evolution, which debuts today in High Wycombe. He confided in Christine that he's never felt better, declaring himself in the "best shape" ever.

Conversation naturally drifted to Strictly, where last year Kai was notably absent a celebrity partner. He shared that this year promises a fresh start, having embarked on a transformative journey of self-improvement. Dispelling last year's whispers of a BBC snub, Kai confirmed his return to the dance floor, stating: "There's a few ways you can look at it, you can either go down and be sad about it or you can kind of take a step back and say 'what can I change in my life?' and 'what can I improve on?'"

He confidentally added: I made a few changes in my life and sorted myself out. I wanted to feel good in my own skin. I can now happily say this, that I am the happiest I have ever been, first of all which is number one," reports

Kai explained: "I am in the best physical shape I have ever been in since I was 17 and the height of my competition career and I'm feeling good going into my show and by the tours done, I'll be nice and fit and ready to go for Strictly when we start again at the end of July"

He concluded: "I'm really excited and just in a really good place."

The chat also veered into football territory, with Christine and Kai finding common ground. Christine's husband is none other than footballing great and manager Frank Lampard, while Kai's dad, Thomas Widdrington, also boasts a football legacy.

The senior Widdrington shone as a midfielder for Southampton back in 1990 and has since followed in Frank's managerial footsteps, currently leading National League club Aldershot Town as their chief.

His brother, Theo, followed in their father's renowned sporting footsteps and plays professional football for Aldershot Town FC. Kai confessed that he knew from the tender age of 12, that football was simply not his calling.

Christine queried: "Your career could have been very different, you could have been a footballer?" Kai responded with a chuckle: "I know I could have been playing Frank's team."

The host was curious to know if any difficult conversations were had when Kai admitted to his parents that he wanted to pursue dancing instead of continuing the family football tradition.

"I had to tell my dad I wanted to be a dancer at age 12. I always knew that I didn't want to be running around a cold football pitch and that being in a warm studio with girls felt much more me," he quipped. "Luckily my brother went on to be the professional footballer and managed by my dad."

Lorraine airs weekdays on ITV1, from 9am.