Strictly star's famous dad suffers two strokes as he rushes to be by his side

Strictly Come Dancing star, Kai Widdrington, is supporting his dad, Tommy Widdrington, who suffered two strokes after being rushed to hospital with a sudden illness

Strictly Come Dancing's Kai Widdrington rushed to be by his dad's side when he suffered two strokes in a terrifying time for the family.

Former footballer, Tommy Widdrington, 53, who now manages Aldershot Town, was rushed into hospital with a sudden illness last week before undergoing scans and tests as part of treatment for two ischaemic strokes at Southend General hospital. An ischemic stroke is a life-threatening condition that occurs when a blood clot or plaque blocks blood flow to the brain.

Taking to Instagram, Kai thanked his followers for their support following his dad's health scare, posting: "Thank you to everyone who has sent their messages of love and support."

Meanwhile, Aldershot Town posted a statement on behalf of the family, 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."

It is not yet known when Tommy will be well enough to return to the dugout. His family added: "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."

The statement continued: "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."

Tommy's son, Kai, is not on screens as much as usual during the current series of Strictly due to not being given a celebrity partner. While still appearing in the group dances, he's had to take a back seat from the star-studded show, admitting the experience was 'frustrating'.

Speaking to the Daily Star, he said: “Everyone wants to get a celebrity. Unfortunately it wasn’t my time this series. Two boys couldn’t have one this series and sadly I am one of them. Some of us don’t get partners and that’s the way it is.” He added: “Let’s see what happens next year. Hopefully I’ll get one then.”

Meanwhile, Kai's ex, Nadiya Bychkova, who he split up with earlier this year, did get a celebrity partner on Strictly. However, she and Olympian, Tom Dean, were the first to be booted off the current series, with the Ukrainian admitting she was 'heartbroken' to leave so early.

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