Strictly Come Dancing star Katya Jones has opened up on the moment she found out Kevin Clifton wanted to quit the BBC competition.
Just last week, the Strictly favourite announced the news to his fans that he would be walking away from the show after seven years.
And now, his dancing buddy Katya has revealed how shocked she was when first hearing the 37-year-old was leaving.
When chatting to the Mail Online at the Tric Awards in London, on Tuesday afternoon, the professional confessed: ‘I was shocked and had no idea. It was a surprise for all of us.
‘But I love to see our professionals do other things. It’s exciting. He has so many passions and I’m really happy for him.’
The 30-year-old continued: ‘As far as Strictly’s concerned, we are losing a good professional. But I’m really happy he’s growing and doing other things. He’s so talented and fab.’
Kevin confirmed his decision in a post on Instagram, where he told his 373,000 followers: ‘The past seven 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 five 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.’
He added: ‘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.’
Since then it was rumoured that Kevin’s former celebrity partner and current girlfriend, Stacey Dooley, had encourage her man to leave the show – however, she has since shut down the claims.
Sharing a screenshot of one of the reports she insisted: ‘Honestly, we knew this would happen. And so it starts, again…… Utter nonsense.’
The reporter’s reps also told Metro.co.uk that the claims are ‘completely untrue’.
Stacey was full of pride following her beau’s announcement and slid into the comments underneath his post, where she wrote: ‘I could burst 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. Well done Darlin. Watch this space.’
Strictly Come Dancing will return to the BBC later this year.
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