Kevin Clifton has announced that he will not be returning to Strictly Come Dancing in the new season.
The 37-year-old has decided to quit the show to focus on other aspects of his career.
Kevin has made the Strictly Come Dancing final five times before finally lifting the Glitterball Trophy with his now girlfriend Stacey Dooley in 2018.
But today, Strictly fans were left in shock as ‘King Kev’ announced that he has quit the BBC One show after seven years, explaining he wants to ‘leave on a high’.
(Image: BBC/PA)
In a lengthy-worded Instagram post, he told his followers: “After finishing last series with the Children In Need trophy and the Christmas Special I want to leave on a high and have therefore decided the time has come to move on and focus on other areas of my life and career.”
He added: “I want to thank all of the pros for inspiring me every day as well as all of my celebrity partners. The whole team behind the scenes have made always made the Strictly family what it is and the loveliest show to work for.
Thank you to anyone who has ever voted for me and my partners. It means the world.”
But many fans were quick to speculate that the real reason behind his exit from the show is because of last season’s flop when he and partner Anneka Rice, 61, became the second couple to be eliminated.
Usually paired with the younger celebrity stars of the show, rumours circulated that Kevin was partnered with Anneka as punishment for his blossoming romance with partner Stacey, who dumped furious boyfriend Sam Tucknott to get with the dancer as soon as filming wrapped.
And for competitive Kevin, the saga is said to have led to a predictable but ‘humiliating’ defeat, especially as he was relegated to backing and group dances for the rest of the series.
And girlfriend of a year Stacey Dooley took to social media to praise her other half. Writing on his post she said: “Could burst with pride ❤️ Undeniably, the most successful pro on Strictly. Won everything, treated everyone with respect and kindness, worked SO bloody hard and now, leaving on a high. You will always be the King of Strictly.”
Good Morning Britain presenter Susanna Reid, who was Kevin’s first ever dancing partner also said: “From your first, thank you – and congratulations on being such an incredible part of the show.”
