STACEY Dooley has travelled the world in pursuit of shedding light on unknown topics in her hard-hitting BBC Three series, Stacey Dooley Investigates, including issues such as child labour and tonight’s episode, Stacey Dooley Investigates: Costa Del Narcos, which sees her investigate how southern Spain has become the main gateway for drugs into Europe.
But it wasn’t until Strictly Come Dancing in 2018 when her profile really took off after she was crowned the winner with her dance partner and now boyfriend Kevin Clifton.
Who is Stacey Dooley?
Stacey Dooley was born on March 9, 1987 and raised in Luton, Bedfordshire.
The 32-year-old is best known for her TV roles, after her first ever telly job was on Blood, Sweat and T-shirts.
Is she dating Strictly dancer Kevin Clifton?
After much speculation, on April 26, 2o19 Stacey appeared to confirm that they were together by posting a loved up picture of her and Kevin on Instagram.
Stacey’s ex Sam Tucknott also lashed out at the pair, accusing them of having an affair.
The Sun exclusively revealed that a furious Sam Tucknott confronted Kevin Clifton over his relationship with Stacey Dooley.
Sam accused the stunned Strictly star of being a “rat” and a “snake” in a FaceTime video call after discovering he had been dating his ex.
He recalled: “He went white. I just stuck it on him, ‘You’re an absolute rat, how you conducted yourself. Just a slippery, slimy snake’. He didn’t say a word, he looked petrified, so shocked.”
Since news of their relationship got out, the pair have enjoyed a whirlwind romance.
But in July 2019, it was reported that Stacey felt things had been moving too quickly as the pair planned to move in together.
An insider said: “Kevin and Stacey were infatuated with each other after finishing Strictly and their relationship was incredibly quick and passionate.
“She lived at his place and they were totally wrapped up in one another.
“They talked about getting a place together and it was really intense.
“But now the honeymoon period has ended and they’re both working very hard again, she thought it best to slow things down and to get a place of her own.
“Kevin understood and agreed it was probably best for them to have their own space.”
Stacey was revealed as a Strictly Come Dancing contestant on the show on August 16.
She said: “I’m so, so ready to embrace this and take to the dancefloor!
Stacey was paired up with veteran pro, Kevin Clifton.
From the very first show, she impressed both the judges and viewers – with her technique improving week after week.
As the show progressed to the later stages she was installed as a firm favourite with bookies.
And their predictions proved correct, with Stacey and Kevin being crowned the winners on December 15 after a spectacular grand final.
When did Stacey Dooley split from her boyfriend Sam Tucknott?
On March 27, 2019 The Sun exclusively revealed that Strictly champ Stacey had split from her long-term boyfriend of three years Sam Tucknott.
They became the fourteenth couple to break up after one partner appeared on the hit show.
A source said: “Stacey confided in her friends that she was struggling to hold down her romance with Sam because her life has been a whirlwind after Strictly.
“She barely saw him during the month-long tour and has gone straight back into filming documentaries and has been travelling all over the world.
“Their lives have just gone in different directions.
“They have a close circle of friends who hope things might yet work out but it’s not looking likely. It was very emotional and has been tough on them both.”
Their split comes just three months after The Sun exclusively revealed how Stacey and personal trainer Sam, 30, had been struggling to cope while she was on tour.
What is the Comic Relief race row involving Stacey?
In February 2019 Stacey became embroiled in a row with Tottenham MP David Lammy after he told her she’s perpetuating a harmful narrative with her Comic Relief charity work.
The journalist sparked a backlash after sharing pictures of herself helping disadvantaged African children for a new documentary that focuses on malaria and neonatal clinics.
But her efforts were slammed by some of Stacey’s fans, as well as activism group No White Saviors and MP David, who claimed her work was doing more harm than good.