Strictly's Karen aims awkward jibe at ex Kevin Clifton as they return to work

Strictly Come Dancing star Karen Hauer has made a rather awkward reference to her ex Kevin Clifton as they prepare to face each other at work for the first time since his new relationship with Stacey Dooley.

The couple announced their decision to part ways in March 2018 after three years of marriage, with Kevin going on to date his Strictly partner Stacey just months later.

While Karen has also moved on and is dating opera singer David Webb, she and Kevin will meet on the dance floor for the first time since their split, as Strictly prepares to return to BBC One within weeks.

Karen took to Instagram to share this funny yet slightly awkward jibe about returning to work with her ex

Kevin was married to Karen Hauer for three years
(Image: PA)

Taking to Instagram , she posted a slightly awkward jibe at her ex using a picture of an anxious looking dog, with the caption: “When someone says ‘have fun at work’.

While their divorce was seen as amicable in the early days of their split, things have taken a more sour turn in recent months.

Things hit a new low in June 2019 after Kevin quit his role as director of their joint dance school after two years in the top job, leaving Karen to run the school solo.

Kevin has been dating Stacey Dooley since the pair lifted the Glitterball trophy last year
(Image: Instagram)

The move came just weeks after Karen reverted to her maiden name as Kevin’s romance with Stacey heated up.

Kevin joined Strictly’s professional line-up in 2013, alongside then-wife Karen and sister Joanne Clifton.

He has appeared in every final show since then, except in 2017, and has finished second four times before finally lifting the Glitterball trophy with Stacey last year.