Strictly Come Dancing will be back on screens later this year without 2018 winner Kevin Clifton who has been a staple of the BBC show for the last seven years. Today the star opened up on Twitter about his exit and if he will be returning to our screen anytime soon.
Kevin posted a statement on his official Twitter account in view of his 250,000 followers.
It read: “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.
“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 glitter ball and then the ultimate of winning the 2018 series with Stacey Dooley.
READ MORE: Kevin Clifton: Strictly pro addresses problem BBC bosses had with him
READ MORE
-
Kevin Clifton: Strictly pro addresses family choice before show
“After finishing the last series with the Children in Need trophy and the Christmas Special I want to leave on a high and have therefore decided that the time has come to move on and focus on other areas of my life and career.”
Kevin added: “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 always made the Strictly family what it is and the loveliest show to work for.
“Thank you to anyone who had ever voted for me and my partners. It means the world.
“And a special thank you to Jason Gilkison for always believing 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.”
A statement released by the BBC read: “Kevin has been such a brilliant part of Strictly for the past seven years.
DON’T MISS…
Susanna Reid reveals unlikely aid that got her through tough times [REVEALED]
Strictly Come Dancing: Star reveals why they refuse to sign up [SHOCK]
Joe Sugg: ‘I got a lot of stick’ Star in Strictly admission [STRICTLY]
“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.”
Kevin was partnered with Good Morning Britain star Susanna Reid back in 2019 and the pair placed second, which was a record achievement for professional.
Following that, he was teamed up with The Saturday’s singer Frankie Bridge and continued his success with second place.
READ MORE
- Strictly Come Dancing: Craig Revel Horwood hits out at ‘fixing’ claims
Fans took to Twitter heartbroken, one fan tweeted: “I won’t lie I’m gutted, but I totally understand. You have a flourishing musical career and a fab podcast. You will be sorely missed, but I can’t wait to follow what’s next #keeeeepdancing.”
Another added: “Gobsmacked!!!! But good luck with all future endeavours. Your cheeky little face will be sadly missed!!”
“So sad you won’t be there anymore but good luck with everything you do from here on in” added another.
And a fourth said: “Oh no! that makes me sad but you have to do what is right for you. All the best for your future xxx”
Source: Read Full Article