Former Strictly star Kevin Clifton criticises show’s no-audience rule

Former Strictly star Kevin Clifton criticised the show’s no-audience rule, which has come into effect for first time in the series’ history due to the UK’s second coronavirus lockdown.

In a new interview, the dancer, 38, who left the programme in March, claimed there’s a clear difference between when viewers are present in the studio and the current format.

The choreographer also claimed politician Jacqui Smith and her dance partner Anton Du Beke could have been saved if they were given the opportunity to win a crowd over at Elstree Studios. 

Ballroom pro Kevin told The Sun: ‘There is an empty studio pretty much with the celebs and their dancers and a few dotted around on the other side, it does not have that same effect in the studio.

‘I think there have been numbers that I have seen where people react in the studio and they have just gone off at the end of the number and Tess Daly is trying to talk and they are still clapping and stamping their feet and there is a second wave of applause.

‘The overall feel of the number then, whatever the judges say, at that point is that we all loved it. I do think people sat at home, people will feel that noise that is happening in the studio. If that had happened for Jacqui and Anton they might have become everyone’s favourite as it was so out there.’ 

While Jacqui became the first celebrity to be booted from the show, sportsman Jason Bell followed suit as he was eliminated on Sunday’s results show. 

MailOnline has contacted representatives for Strictly, Jacqui and Anton for further comment.   

Earlier in the month, the Grimsby native spoke of his regret over quitting the show now all his theatre work is on hold due to the pandemic.

The TV star, who won the show alongside girlfriend Stacey Dooley in 2018, announced he was leaving the show after a seven-year stint.

However, his starring role in Craig Revel Horwood’s West End musical Strictly Ballroom is currently postponed until 2021, with no signs of theatres reopening.

Speaking on his podcast, he said: ‘Who knows if I’ll go back to Strictly, never say never. 

‘I think if I’ve learned anything it’s you never close the door. You just don’t know how things are going to go.

‘I thought I was going to be on stage all year and all of a sudden that’s not happening any more.’