THEY were the talented duo who appeared to have the dancing world at their feet.

But Hampshire’s samba-ing Britain’s Got Talent stars Kai Widdrington and Natalia Jeved have revealed they are splitting up.

The decision, which is to allow 16-year-old Natalia to concentrate on her GCSEs, means 17-year-old Kai is now facing a race against time to find a new dance partner for the world championships in Paris – just two weeks away.

The couple, who both live in Bassett, Southampton, appeared to be destined for the top after reaching the finals of the hit ITV show earlier this year.

Their successes have also seen them win the World Junior Latin Championships, be selected as members of the Great Britain Ballroom and Latin Team, take third place in the World Ballroom Championship, make the finals of the Under-21 British National Championship and finish runners- up in the Italian Open Championship.

Barton Peveril College student Kai said: “We’ve been dancing together for two-anda- half years now and it’s going to be quite hard to let go.”

Kai is already having to focus on the future and finding a replacement who can compete with him in Paris next month.

He said: “I’m looking for a girl who is very committed, hard-working and dedicated.”

The pair’s final public appearance dancing together will be when they perform at the Rose Road Dinner Dance on November 30, at Southampton’s De Vere Grand Harbour Hotel.

The glitzy event will be based on the classic movie White Christmas and will mark the end of the children’s charity’s Diamond Jubilee year.

Kai has been visiting the Rose Road Centre and has taken to the dance floor with some of the children.

In a message posted on Twitter, Gregg School pupil Natalia thanked the pair’s parents, teachers, sponsors and supporters for all their help during “an amazing two years”, as well as expressing her gratitude to Kai “for making this partnership unforgettable”.

She said she is also now looking for a 10 dance or Latin partner to compete in under-21 and amateur competitions.