'shock and relief'
Kevin Clifton’s Strictly final collapse was down to 14 hour days of dancing with Stacey Dooley says his dad
KEVIN Clifton's dad has revealed that 14-hour days of dancing with Stacey Dooley were behind his onstage collapse at the Strictly final.
The comments come after the Strictly pro fell to the floor on Saturday night after being declared this year's winner.
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Proud dad Keith Clifton spilled the beans on Kevin's, 36, extreme reaction to Grimsby Live.
He said: "His knees gave way. He was that relieved. It was shock and relief. It has been a long haul.
"He had been in four previous finals. He was overjoyed, not just for himself but for Stacey too.
"He put in 14-hour days throughout the series to try to make her a wonderful dancer."
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Keith and his wife Judy both watched on with pride as their son finally got his hands on the coveted Glitterball Trophy after competing on the show for five series and making the final four times.
The Cliftons can now boast two of the shiny accolade in the family - after little sis Joanne won Strictly in 2016 with her celeb partner Ore Oduba.
Kevin and Stacey, 31, looked astounded to be declared the winners after beating Joe Sugg, Ashley Roberts and Faye Tozer to lift the Glitterball Trophy despite finishing bottom of the leaderboard.
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Kevin was so shocked that his legs buckled under the weight of surprise and he fell to the floor.
Speaking to Kevin, who broke down in tears, his dance partner Stacey said: "I should say something quite poignant, shouldn't I? You know how highly I think of you. I think you are the biggest gem.
"It's no surprise you have been in the final as many times as you have. It's daunting doing something you haven't done before. But he's so patient and he walks you through. You so deserve this. You so deserve this."
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The professional dancer replied: "Thank you so much, not just for being so amazing and for dancing so well, but for being the most wonderful person to work with, to spend every day training with.
"You've worked so hard. You are so lovely and I think the absolute world of you."
Stacey and Kevin scored 114 points from the judges this evening while Ashley and Faye topped the leaderboard with 120 each. Joe got 116 points.
The couple had performed their favourite routine from the series, as well as the Foxtrot for their judges’ choice to Hi Ho Silver Lining by Jeff Beck from week four.
Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton dance the Paso Doble in the final of Strictly Come Dancing
They also took to the floor with an incredible show dance to Land of A Thousand Dances by Wilson Pickett.
Their final dance - the paso doble - saw Stacey flash her knickers to gobmacked viewers.
And it was enough to lead them to victory after three months of competing.
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