Strictly professional dancer Kevin Clifton took to Instagram on Friday to reveal he has quit Strictly after seven years on he show.
Sharing a series of pictures, the 37-year-old wrote: ‘To the entire Strictly family. The past 7 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.
‘I want to leave on a high’: Kevin Clifton took to Instagram on Friday to reveal he has QUIT Strictly after seven years on the show (pictured with now girlfriend Stacey Dooley in 2018)
‘Since first being called “Kevin From Grimsby” by Sir Bruce Forsyth in 2013 I have experienced the highs of 5 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.
‘After finishing last series with the Children In Need trophy and the Christmas Special I want to leave on a high and have therefore decided the time has come to move on and focus on other areas of my life and career.’
He continued: ‘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.
Sweet: Stacey paid tribute to her boyfriend and dance partner, as she gushed that he ‘will always be the King of Strictly’
What a blow! Kevin’s news will no doubt come as a shock to his legion of fans as he is a very popular member of the Strictly family
‘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.
‘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. Kevin Clifton.’
A spokesperson for Strictly Come Dancing wrote on Instagram: ‘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.’
He said: ‘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.
Winner! Maisie Smith and Kevin Clifton win Glitterball trophy for the Children In Need special
Success: Kevin won the Strictly Christmas special in 2019 with Debbie McGee
Stacey took to Instagram to share a gushing tribute to her beau, as she shared a selfie of the two of them and wrote: ‘…will always be the King of Strictly. Well done darlin. Watch this space!!!!’
She then shared a video so she could speak publicly about the news, and gushed: ‘I have just seen that Kev has just posted about him leaving Strictly.
‘I just wanted to say publicly Kevin I’m so proud of you what you’ve achieved on that show is remarkable and its completely undeniable.
‘Without question you’re the most successful pro strictly has ever had and that because you work so bloody hard and you’re kind, and you’re full of grace and you’re so talented, and I can’t wait to see what you’ve got next. Well done darling.’
Reiterating her statement, she also wrote a sweet comment on Kevin’s post: ‘I could burst with pride. Undeniably, the most successful pro on Strictly.
‘Won everything, treated everyone with respect and kindness, worked SO bloody hard and now, leaving on a high. You will always be the King of Strictly.’
Tribute: A spokesperson for Strictly Come Dancing wrote on Instagram: ‘Kevin has been such a brilliant part of Strictly for the past seven years’
Good luck: A slew of celebrities paid tribute to the star following his announcement, as they wrote gushing messages of support and best wishes
A slew of celebrities paid tribute to the star following his announcement, as they wrote gushing messages of support and best wishes.
Former Strictly winner Ore Oduba wrote: ‘Once a champ (FOUR TIMES a champ!) always a champ.. what an amazing 7 years and so much still to come!!! Couldn’t be prouder Kev. Superstar’
While current judge Motsi Mabuse added: ‘Good luck for your new journey!! Your presence is so unique ! You were always 100% committed! All the best and you will be definitely be missed.’
Susanna Reid, who was paired with Kevin during his first series, wrote: ‘From your first, thank you – and congratulations on being such an incredible part of the show.’
Stacey and Kevin have been dating ever since they got together on the 2018 series of Strictly Come Dancing – which they won together.
The media personality settled into the dancer’s flat after leaving the home she shared with her former partner Sam Tucknott in Brighton.
Kevin has had an incredible tenure on the show since he joined in 2013, and received three 40s on the show for his Argentine Tango with Louise, and two with Kellie Bright for their Tango and Showdance.
He placed second on the show four years in a row, from season 11 in 2013 to season 14 in 2016, he came 7th in series 15 with Susan Calman, and had his worst placement in the 2019 series with Anneka Rice as he placed 14th.
Earlier this week, Kevin finished his stint in the London production of The Wedding Singer, which was staged at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre in London.
He is now set to perform against his sister Joanne in their new UK tour of Burn The Floor, which will be touring across the UK from March 26 to May 24.