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Karen Clifton to stay on Strictly despite Brendan Cole exit and personal split

Have their marital woes affected their Strictly work?

After the shock news of Brendan Cole leaving Strictly Come Dancing, there were many that thought fellow professional, Karen Clifton, may also be getting the boot.

Following her alleged split with dance partner husband Kevin, it has been reported that BBC bosses considered bringing back just Kevin for the 2018 show.

But after the backlash the show received after getting rid of Brendan, they thought better of it.

A source told The Sun: “After they decided not to bring back Brendan Cole, they didn’t want to risk any further backlash by getting rid of another established pro.”

“Kevin and Karen will be professional on the show but it’s unlikely you’ll spot them happily standing next to each other on camera.”

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Last night the BBC said: “Strictly Come Dancing returns later in the year and the pro line-up will be revealed in due course.”

Kevinandkaren Clifton (Credit: Twitter)
In happier times (Credit: Instagram)

The newspaper had also claimed last week that the couple will divorce, although no official announcement has been made by the couple themselves.

If they are to split for good, it is unlikely anything will be said until they finish the run on their own show, Kevin And Karen Dance.

The show starts in May and goes on throughout July.

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Karen posted a message at the beginning of February saying: “Brilliant production meeting for the #kevinandkarenlive #tour  @stuartglovercreative our amazeballs tour manager and Clive Dunstall our ace Musical Director.. holding the fort strong on creative whilst @keviclifton is on the Strictly tour…”

The couple first met as dancers on stage show Burn The Floor and got married in July 2015, the second marriage for both dancers.

Kevin was previously married to fellow pro Clare Craze, and Karen was married to American Matthew Hauer.


Nancy Brown
Associate Editor