Kevin Clifton / PA
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Strictly’s Kevin Clifton ‘set to leave after this series’

It's been a difficult year for the professional dancer

He and his dance partner Stacey Dooley are a fan favourite to lift the Glitterball trophy next weekend – and it could be Kevin Clifton’s last chance.

A new report claims the professional dancer is planning to quit Strictly Come Dancing after this series is over, after struggling to work alongside his ex-wife, Karen Clifton.

Kevin and Karen have worked together closely during this series (credit: BBC)

An insider tells The Sun: “Kevin has been overheard backstage saying he feels the time is right for him to move on and that winning the contest won’t weigh heavily on his decision.

“He has absolutely loved his time on the show and the opportunities that it’s given him but he is getting itchy feet and there’s still tension with Karen.

“While things are slowly getting more civil between them, it’s not exactly fun spending time around your ex.”

They split after three years of marriage (Credit: ITV)

Kevin and Karen confirmed their three-year marriage was over in March this year, but insisted they remain “best friends”.

They’ve been forced to work side by side for this series of Strictly, including a dance together to open the live shows.

strictly kevin clifton susanna reid susan calman stacey dooley (credit: keviclifton Instagram)
Producers are said to have worried over the ‘Strictly Curse’ headlines with previous contestants (Credit: Instagram)
kevin clifton strictly stacey dooley
Is this our last series with Kevin? (credit: BBC)

ED! has contacted Kevin’s representative for comment.

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There’s no denying it hasn’t been the easiest of series for Kevin, 35.

kevin clifton strictly stacey dooley
They performed amazingly on Saturday night’s show (credit: BBC)

As well as dealing with the aftermath of splitting with his wife – who revealed she had therapy after their marriage ended – he’s battled yet more Strictly Curse rumours after current partner, Stacey’s boyfriend of three years was reported to be “insanely jealous” over their closeness.

The BBC3 documentary presenter posted a defiant shot of her and Sam Tucknott together in the midst of headlines.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BrCZeb5B-ov/

She added a simple fist emoji in an apparent act of defiance.

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Kevin Clifton is hands down one of the most popular pro dancers, so we hope he’ll be going nowhere.

Would you be sad to see Kevin go? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think.


Nancy Brown
Associate Editor