KEVIN Clifton is best known for appearing as a professional dancer on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing.
From his Strictly success to finding love on the dance floor – here’s everything you need to know about the pro dancer.
Is Kevin Clifton married to Stacey Dooley?
As well as finding success on Strictly, Kevin Clifton also found love, after being partnered with Stacey Dooley in 2018.
They pair kept their relationship private initially, eventually confirming it in spring 2019 with a photo on social media.
The couple, who met on the BBC dance show, are not married.
Prior to his relationship with Stacey, Clifton had a rocky road to his happily ever after.
The former Strictly star has been married three times.
His first marriage was to an unnamed dance partner when he was 20 years old.
Love didn’t last on this occasion when she left him three years later, after he turned his back on competitive ballroom dancing.
He then married professional dancer Clare Craze in 2007, when he was 24.
Although it wasn’t meant to be again for the dancer when the pair split in 2010 and finalised their divorce in 2013.
Discussing his second divorce, he said: “It didn’t work out. It was part of my rebellion and we drifted apart.”
In 2015, Clifton hoped third time was the charm when got married to fellow dancer Karen Hauer.
The dance star got down on one knee during their performance on Burn the Floor to propose to her on her birthday.
Despite finding love once more, after two years of marriage, Clifton confirmed he and Karen Hauer were no longer together romantically in 2018.
How many children does Kevin Clifton have?
Clifton has one child with partner Stacey Dooley.
In January 2023, the TV presenter revealed that she and ex Strictly pro Kevin, had become parents for the first time.
The couple announced the arrival of their daughter Minnie online.
Taking to social media to share the sweet news, Stacey wrote: ”Our Daughter is here.
“My little masterpiece! I’m COMPLETELY OBSESSED. Love you Minnie, Love you Kev x.”
Kevin wrote a similar sweet post, saying: “Our daughter is here. The most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.
So proud of u @sjdooley. Love u Minnie , Love u Stace x.”
Is Kevin Clifton’s sister Joanne?
Joanne Clifton shot to fame when she joined the cast of Strictly Come Dancing in 2014.
However, she was already known prior to her Strictly debut as Kevin Clifton’s little sister.
The Strictly siblings grew up together in the small North East Lincolnshire village of Waltham with their parents Judy and Keith Clifton.
Like her brother Kevin, Jo was tutored in ballroom by her parents, at their dance school in Grimsby.
As a child, Joanne danced alongside Kevin until she was 15.
Kevin then made the decision to specialise in Latin, while Joanne took the Ballroom route.
When did Kevin Clifton leave Strictly Come Dancing?
Kevin Clifton made his debut on the dance floor in 2013.
During his Strictly Come Dancing career, Clifton won the show alongside partner Stacey Dooley and appeared in every year’s final, with the exception of 2017 and 2019.
Over the years, professional dancer Kevin partnered with some big names on Strictly including Louise Redknapp, Susanna Reid, Frankie Bridge and Kellie Bright.
Despite his Strictly success, the professional dancer left fans and followers shocked when he announced his departure from the show after seven years.
In March 2020, Clifton revealed his decision in an emotional Instagram post, admitting he “wanted to leave on a high”.
He wrote: ”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.
“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.”