One of Strictly Come Dancing’s most successful dancers is set to make a return to the BBC competitive dancing show.
Kevin Clifton first hit our screens in 2013, and already made an impression when then-host Sir Bruce Forsyth branded him “Kevin from Grimsby”. Aged 33, Kevin was paired with Good Morning Britain host Susanna Reid, finishing as a runner-up to eventual winner Abbey Clancey.
After then, Kevin went on to have a hugely successful career on the show – making it to the final five times. The highlight came in 2018 when he won the show alongside future girlfriend Stacey Dooley.
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But the 40-year-old stunned fans of the programme when he announced he was leaving the dance floor in early 2020. Now, nearly four years after hanging up his dancing shoes – Clifton is set to rejoin the Strictly family, in a new capacity.
(Image: BBC)
Kevin will not be returning to the show as part of the professional troupe, but will rather provide analysis on the technique of the contestants on Strictly’s side show It Takes Two. Acting as the resident choreography expert, Kevin is taking on the role from sister Joanne Clifton, who usually gives advice.
Joanne, 39, opted to pass the baton to Kevin during this season of the BBC show as she tours the country as part of the hit West End musical Shrek: The Music. As she is unable to do the role, big brother Kevin happy to fill in her shoes.
(Image: Getty Images for Strictly Ballro)
Kevin’s big return to the show was announced on It Takes Two on Monday (September 25), with host Fleur East hinting: “Choreography corner is a family affair this year isn’t it Joanne?” Joanne joked with Fleur: “Yes it’s someone called Kevin, don’t know if you know him, he came second in 2016 when I won.”
Winning runs in the Clifton family, as Joanne emerged victorious alongside presenter Ore Oduba in 2016. As he left the show, Kevin paid tribute to his family at Strictly and thanked them for “some of the most wonderful years of my life”.
(Image: Getty Images for SOLT)
He captioned the series of pics: “I am grateful to the BBC and Strictly Come Dancing for giving me the opportunity to have been a part of something truly special”. Kevin’s career has continued since he left the show, appearing as part of the ensemble in hit musicals including Singing in the Rain.
He also starred in Strictly Ballroom alongside fellow Strictly star Maisie Smith.
It Takes Two airs weekdays at 6.30pm on BBC Two
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
