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Strictly pro reveals truth behind exit rumours

Fans were concerned after dancer's tearful elimination speech

Strictly Come Dancing fans feared Kevin Clifton had quit the series when he gave an emotional speech after his elimination.

The pro dancer delivered a tearful farewell message when he and Susan Calman were sent home, leaving some fans concerned it was also a goodbye ode to the show.

But his sister Joanne has now come forward to clear up the speculation.

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And, thankfully for Kevin fans, he’s going nowhere!

Joanne told RadioTimes: “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!”

Excellent!

While Kevin is staying put, proud sis Joanne reckons he’s got lots of exciting projects in the pipeline for the future.

Joanne suggested: “He’s a great choreographer, so maybe he could choreograph musicals one day?

“He could also star in musicals because he can sing so maybe he’d like to have a go at being in musicals as well? Who knows!”

After Kevin and Susan were eliminated, Joanne posted on Instagram: “Well done Susan! You were just fabulous and Kev … well … could I even have a more inspiring, creative and talented big brother???”

Kevin and Susan were eliminated two weeks ago, making them the ninth couple to leave the dance floor.

After the judges’ vote, Kevin had said: “I’d like to say a couple of thank yous. When Strictly’s on, I’m not the easiest person to live with – I go a bit mad.

“So I’d like to say, first of all, thanks to my wife for putting up with me.”

Many thought this was a response to the claims made that he and fellow pro-dancer Karen Clifton were having marital troubles, and in a lovely moment Karen, 35, came down from the audience to give her hubby a massive hug.

But then Kevin went on to give what sounded like a goodbye speech:

“I’d like to say thank you to Strictly Come Dancing and echoing what Susan said about everyone on it because I think in a world where not everything going on at the moment is always nice, Strictly is the one thing that brings a lot of joy and happiness into the world through the wonderful thing that is dance.

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“Susan, you have been the absolute epitome of joy and happiness throughout this whole competition which in my eyes makes you a beautiful dancer.”

The pair were both choking back the tears as they spoke and many fans truly believed this was Kevin saying farewell to the show.

We’re so glad that isn’t true!


Nancy Brown
Associate Editor