‘I had no idea… I was shocked!’: Strictly’s Katya Jones discusses Kevin Clifton’s departure from the show as she arrives at the TRIC Awards with dance partner Mike Bushell
He shocked his fans when he announced he had quit Strictly Come Dancing on Friday.
And Kevin Clifton’s fellow pro dancer Katya Jones said she was just as surprised as the public was when asked about what she thought about it.
Speaking to MailOnline at the TRIC Awards held at London’s Grosvenor House on Tuesday, Kayta said: ‘I was shocked and had no idea. But I love seeing dancers do other things.’
No clue: Strictly’s Katya Jones discussed Kevin Clifton’s departure from the show as she arrived at the TRIC Awards with Mike Bushell at London’s Grosvenor House on Tuesday
‘I had no idea… I was shocked!’: Katya said she found out when everyone else did that Kevin was quitting the show after seven years
Katya arrived at the event which celebrates the best of the television and radio industry, with her 2019 Strictly dance partner, Mike Bushell on her arm.
She looked incredible wearing a blue sequin jumpsuit which was strapless in design and had a peplum detail at the waist.
The trousers had a flared design and Katya looked as though she was paying homage to the famous Strictly Glitterball in her glitzy number.
Glitterball chic: She looked incredible wearing a blue sequin jumpsuit which was strapless in design and had a peplum detail at the waist
Pals: Mike and Katya became the seventh couple to be evicted from the show last year and appear to have remained good friends
Mike and Katya became the seventh couple to be evicted from the show last year and appear to have remained good friends.
Meanwhile, Kevin’s departure on the show comes after a seven year stint amid claims he thought he was bigger than the BBC hit.
Fans were left devastated by the news, as they took to Twitter to share their tributes with one quoting icon Bruce Forsyth by saying ‘you were my favourite’.
Sharing a series of pictures, the 37-year-old had written: ‘To the entire Strictly family. The past 7 years have been some of the most wonderful years of my life.
‘I want to leave on a high’: Kevin 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)
‘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 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.’
What a blow! Kevin’s came as a shock to his legion of fans as he is a very popular member of the Strictly family
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.
‘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.’
Tribute: A spokesperson for Strictly Come Dancing wrote on Instagram last week: ‘Kevin has been such a brilliant part of Strictly for the past seven years’