Kevin Clifton quits Strictly Come Dancing after seven years
6 March 2020, 14:26 | Updated: 6 March 2020, 16:32
Kevin Clifton has quit Strictly Come Dancing after seven years on the show, announcing the news on his social media channels.
The 37-year-old professional dancer posted a statement that read: "The past seven years have been some of the most wonderful years of my life.
"I am grateful to the BBC and Strictly Come Dancing for giving me the opportunity to have been a part of something truly special.
"Since first being called Kevin from Grimsby by Sir Bruce Forsyth in 2013 I have experienced the highs of five finals, winning a Guinness World record on It Takes Two, the Strictly Arena tour glitterball and then the ultimate of winning the 2018 series with Stacey Dooley.
"I want to thank all of the pros for inspiring me every day as well as all of my celebrity partners. The whole team behind the scenes have made always made the Strictly family what it is and the loveliest show to work for.
"Thank you to anyone who has ever voted for me and my partners. It means the world. And a special thank you to Jason Gilkison for always believing in me.
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"To me Strictly always has been and always will be the best show on TV and has been an absolute dream and honour to be a part of.
"Pre 2013 I used to watch every week. Now I look forward to returning to being a fan and cheering on my friends who keep dancing."
Following Kevin’s social media post, a spokesperson for Strictly Come Dancing told Smooth Radio: "Kevin has been such a brilliant part of Strictly for the past seven years.
"From reaching the final an impressive five times, to lifting the Glitterball with Stacey Dooley in 2018, he has provided the show with some fantastic moments, through his exceptional talent as a dancer and choreographer.
"He will be hugely missed by fans and by his Strictly family. He will always be our Kevin from Grimsby."
