Kevin Clifton: Strictly Come Dancing dancer quits BBC show after seven years

‘To me Strictly always has been and always will be the best show on TV,’ says Clifton

Kevin Clifton has quit Strictly Come Dancing after seven years.

The professional dancer announced his departure in a statement posted to his Instagram.

“The past seven years have been some of the most wonderful years of my life,” he wrote. “I am grateful to the BBC and Strictly Come Dancing for giving me the opportunity to have been a part of something truly special.”

He continued, “Since first being called ‘Kevin From Grimsby’ by Sir Bruce Forsyth in 2013 I have experienced the highs of five finals, winning a Guinness World record on It Takes Two, the Strictly Arena tour glitterball and then the ultimate of winning the 2018 series with Stacey Dooley. 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.”

“I want to thank all of the pros for inspiring me every day as well as all of my celebrity partners,” he added. “The whole team behind the scenes have 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. And a special thank you to Jason Gilkison for always believing in me.

“To me Strictly always has been and always will be the best show on TV and has been an absolute dream and honour to be a part of.

“Pre 2013 I used to watch every week. Now I look forward to returning to being a fan and cheering on my friends who keep dancing.”

Clifton joined the series in 2013, partnering with stars including Susanna Reid, Louise Redknapp, Susan Calman and Anneka Rice.

In 2018’s series – the first that saw him win the show’s climactic trophy – Clifton was partnered with investigative reporter Stacey Dooley, and they became a romantic item while working together.