MISSED TALENT
Strictly stars are unrecognisable auditioning for Britain’s Got Talent years before BBC1 fame
THE STARS of Strictly Come Dancing are completely unrecognisable in an audition for Britain's Got Talent years before finding fame on BBC One.
Neil and Katya Jones, as well as Strictly newcomer Kai Widdrington auditioned for the ITV series as members of Latin dance troupe Kings and Queens back in 2014.
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It came two years after Kai had landed a spot in the final with dance partner Natalia Jeved, only to be beaten by winners Ashleigh and Pudsey.
In unearthed footage of the group's audition, Neil leads the group as they introduce themselves to Simon Cowell and co.
Alesha Dixon immediately recognised Kai, and when asked how all of the members know each other Neil pointed out Katya in the line-up and said: "We're married".
Speaking in their video trailer, the group revealed that they'd all been "sleeping at Neil's house" while rehearsing for BGT.
Joking that they are "one big family", the troupe reflected on enduring "all nighters" as they perfected their routine.
However, it paid off - with the judges absolutely blown away by the energetic and modern take on traditional Latin dance.
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While Simon branding the audition "incredible", David Walliams gushed that it was "inventive", adding: "A group of people and all of you are stars."
Meanwhile, Alesha kicked off the four yeses with the caveat: "If you're not in the finals I'll eat my arm".
Unfortunately, Kings and Queens crashed out of the competition in the semi-final - but thankfully Alesha did not remain true to her word.
It wasn't all bad news though, with Neil and Katya joining Strictly two years later in 2016 - building a huge fan following with their exposure on the show.
In 2018, their five-year marriage was famously struck by the Strictly Curse when Katya was spotted snogging celeb partner Seann Walsh, with she and Neil filing for divorce the following year.
However, they have both remained on the show - with Neil partnered with Nina Wadia in this year's series, and Katya still in the competition alongside Adam Peaty.
Their old Kings and Queens dance-mate also joined them over at the BBC this year, with Kai signing up as one of Strictly's new dancers - partnered with favourite AJ Odudu.
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Strictly’s Kai Widdrington auditions for Britain’s Got Talent in 2012
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