With this weekend’s Strictly semi-final almost upon us, emotions will undoubtedly be running high behind the scenes of the BBC dancing show.
But the tension could be cranked up to breaking point following claims that one of the programme’s biggest stars is set to be shown the exit door.
According to The Sun Online, Karen Clifton is ‘facing the axe’ as a consequence of a reported ‘rift’ with her husband, fellow Strictly professional Kevin Clifton.
The report suggests that show bosses may be forced to choose between the two dancers following rumours that Karen, 35, has been ‘dating’ accountant Stuart Wood. And it claims that Kevin, also 35, would get the nod.
A source told The Sun’s Bizarre column: “Kevin is the most likeable dancer on the show, and a brilliant choreographer.
“Everybody loves him. He’s going nowhere.”
This week, Craig Revel Horwood appeared to scotch suggestions that the Cliftons’ marriage was on the rocks.
The judge wrote in his column for Woman magazine: “Now Susan has left the competition, they’ll be able to spend some more time together – it’s always hard when you’re so busy on the show.”
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However, The Sun Online fuelled rumours of a rift when it reported that Karen had been spotted enjoying the sunshine in London’s Primrose Hill with Stuart, 27.
An ‘onlooker’ told the website: “Karen and her new bloke certainly didn’t seem to be hiding anything. They were out together with friends and looked relaxed and happy.”
After giving an emotional speech following his exit from this series with partner Susan Calman, some fans believed that Kevin would announce his retirement.
However, his sister and former Strictly dancer Joanne Clifton soon put paid to those suggestions.
Read more: Strictly star faces fresh accusations over “difficult” behaviour
Speaking to RadioTimes.com, she said: “Kevin isn’t leaving Strictly, no. He flipping loves the show and he’s going to be another Anton Du Beke – he’ll be on it until he’s 80!”
We hope this is all stuff and nonsense!