Kevin Clifton quits Strictly Come Dancing as girlfriend Stacey Dooley likes ‘seven year itch’ tweet
KEVIN Clifton has quit BBC's Strictly Come Dancing after seven years on the family-friendly show.
The 37-year-old revealed his decision in an emotional Instagram post today, admitting he "wanted to leave on a high".
Among his girlfriend Stacey Dooley's supportive tweets was a like for a post that referenced a "7 year itch" - a term associate with the decline of happiness in a relationship.
She hit the heart button on a fan comment reading: "Well done and what an incredible 7 Years it has been! #7yearitch."
Over the years, professional dancer Kevin has been partnered with some big names on Strictly including Louise Redknapp, Susanna Reid, Frankie Bridge and Kellie Bright.
Last year, he and Anneka Rice were the second pair to be eliminated from the competition.
He then competed in the Christmas special with Debbie McGee, which he won and this now marks his last time on the dance floor.
He is currently dating Stacey, who he won the show with in 2018.
In a lengthy post the dancer, who was paid a reported £50k per series, explained his surprise decision, telling fans: "To the entire Strictly family, 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 glitterball and then the ultimate of winning the 2018 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."
He continued: ";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 made always made the Strictly family what it is and the loveliest show to work for.
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"Thank you to anyone who has ever voted for me and my partners. It means the world. And a special thank you to Jason Gilkison for always believing in me."
Kevin added: "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."
In a candid interview earlier this week he admitted he didn’t want to stay on the show forever.
He told Katie Piper: “It has to happen at some point, I don’t see myself doing this when I’m 40.”
Kevin is currently touring the country with his sister Joanne on their tour Burn The Floor.
His love life has hit headlines just as much as his dancing during his time on the show as he was previously married to fellow dancer Karen Hauer.
The pair announced their split in 2018 - in the same year Kevin was partnered with Stacey.
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Kevin and Karen married in 2015 but split in March 2018, remaining on good terms as they work together on the series.
Stacey was a victim of the infamous Strictly curse after she won the show as she ended up splitting with long term love Sam Tucknott.
It was later revealed he was dating Stacey but the couple have mostly chosen to keep their romance out of the limelight.
