TV

Strictly’s Kevin addresses wife Karen following reports of marriage woes

Emotional moment following Susan Calman exit

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The pressure of having to dance to such a high standard on Strictly every week must be quite taxing, so it’s no surprise that there have been whispers of backstage feuding between the celebrities.

But it seems it hasn’t just been the celebs who’ve been falling out. A report in The Sun last week suggested that all was not well with professional dancers Kevin and Karen Clifton, with sources claiming that things had “become strained” between the married couple.

However, we were all able to breathe a sigh of relief last night after Kevin – who was voted off Strictly alongside Susan Calman – made an emotional speech.

After Kevin, 35, and his comedian partner Susan, 43, discovered their fate, Kevin piped up: “I’d like to say a couple of thank yous, actually. 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.”

The comments provoked a great big “Aaaah” from the tearful crowd, and in a lovely moment Karen, 35, came down from the audience to give her hubby a massive hug.

Kevin also had a few words of praise for Susan, who surpassed expectations in this series with some super performances.

Read more: Strictly star jokes dancing partner is ignoring his texts after Saturday’s performance

The Lincolnshire-born dancer described her as “the absolute epitome of joy and happiness”.

Strictly bosses are sure to be thrilled that there’s no hard feelings between the Cliftons, as they’re one of the show’s most popular couples.

According to last week’s reports, things weren’t looking good for the pair, who got married in 2015.

The Sun quoted an ‘insider’ as saying: “Kevin has spoken to some of those close to him, and admitted things aren’t going well between them at the minute.”

And Kevin himself reportedly said: “Strictly’s a hard few weeks for everyone, and Karen and I have found this year’s particularly hard as we’ve been in different places since the start — with her in Manchester and now London, and me in Glasgow.

“I’d love to get as far as possible with Susan, who’s been amazing, but I’m looking forward to getting home.”

Read more: Susan Calman overwhelmed by messages from devastated fans

Back in August, Karen told the Daily Mail that she and Kev aren’t always smiley towards each other.

She revealed: “We’re not a superhuman couple – we’re normal – so when things happen, we fight.

“We fight about things like him not taking the rubbish out. He does it more than me, but that’s only because I tell him to do it.”


Nancy Brown
Associate Editor