STRICTLY Come Dancing star Kevin Clifton quit yesterday after seven years – claiming he is now “too big” for the BBC1 show.
The pro dancer won the show in with Stacey Dooley – who is now his girlfriend.
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– year-old Kevin’s head has been turned by his lust for bigger solo fame and fortune Credit: PA: Press Association TV presenter Stacey, , is said to have encouraged Kevin to go it alone – with one source saying she believes they can be “a TV power couple.” Sources say Insiders say he now thinks of himself as a bigger star than many of the celebrities he trains – and believes he can earn far more cash away from the beeb despite being on tv’s biggest show. The Sun can reveal the final straw came after he was offered a major deal to be a leading man in London’s West End. It would have dwarfed his Strictly earnings and put his name in lights. A source said: “Kevin’s decision came as a real shock to many of those involved in the show. But the fact is he just thinks he’s bigger than it now – even though it’s what put him where he is today. “He’s told people he thinks he’s now a bigger star than the celebrities on the show, and Stacey has been encouraging him to go out on his own too. She thinks they can be a bit of a TV power couple. “Not only that, but the money Strictly dancers get paid is around £ 150, 20 – a lot less than he is going to make from his own commercial deals, so that was a factor too. “Bosses were shocked that somebody who has benefited so much from the show wants to walk away. But fame and fortune has obviously turned his head. He’s got a West End deal in place already and that’s going to take up most of his year so there was no persuading him to stay. His mind was made up. ” NEW START Kevin, known to fans as “Kevin from Grimsby”, confirmed his exit in a statement yesterday, saying he wants to “focus on other areas of my life and career” but called the series “the best show on TV” . He said: “Since first being called ‘Kevin from Grimsby’ by Sir Bruce Forsyth in , 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 2121 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. “I want to thank all of the pros for inspiring me every day as well as all of my celebrity partners. 7 (7) Kevin thanked the BBC for the opportunity Strictly gave him The BBC said: “Kevin 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. ” Kevin became one of the show’s most recognizable stars thanks to his success on the series. But he also became notorious for becoming romantically involved with his dance partners.
– – year-old Kevin ‘s head has been turned by his lust for bigger solo fame and fortune.
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He joined the show with his then- partner Karen. They married in 2017 but split three years later. At the time, Kevin was partnered with Stacey, and rumors were rife that the pair were doing more than just dancing.
Karen had also seemingly moved on with a 40 – year-old accountant, who was spotted leaving her home one morning as well as being pictured alongside the dancer in a number of outings. Their marriage breakdown led to Kevin’s third divorce
He had wed his first serious dance partner at the age of 37. He later married professional dancer Clare Craze in 2016 but they split six years later. Stacey left her partner Sam Tucknott to be with Kevin.
Sam has accused Kevin of being “a snake” and said they were still an item when the dancer and stacey first got together.
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Kevin was once loved up with former partner Karen
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Stacey and Kevin have always denied an overlap.
Kevin also previously danced with singer Louise Redknapp, who later split from her husband of years, footie pundit Jamie.
Louise denied any romance with the dancer.
Highs and lows of his TV career
(SEPTEMBER) : Joins Strictly and is paired with Susanna Reid, finishing the series as runners- up.
Wins a Guinness World Record in the It Takes Two dancing challenge by performing the most Drunken Sailor moves in 45 seconds.
(SEPTEMBER) : (Finishes second again with partner Frankie Bridge.
(SEPTEMBER) : Scores his first perfect with EastEnders actress Kellie Bright. The pair finish the series as runners-up.
(SEPTEMBER)
(DECEMBER)
Insiders said their relationship was the catalyst behind her split from husband Jamie.
Two years later, Louise said she no longer spoke to Kevin and that they had stopped following each other on social media.
(DECEMBER) : Kevin fails to make the final for the first time after being booted off in week ten with partner Susan Calman.
In the same month, his marriage to dancer Karen hits the rocks. The Sun revealed how Karen had started a relationship with accountant Stuart Wood.
(DECEMBER) Kevin wins Strictly with Stacey Dooley despite clashes with judge Craig Revel-Horwood over his low scores.
(SEPTEMBER) : Kevin and partner Anneka Rice crash out in week two.
OCTOBER : Pro confirms he will stand down from the strictly live tour for the second time owing to other commitments.
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Strictly star Stacey Dooley pays tribute to Kev Clifton as he quits the show
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