Strictly Come Dancing star Kevin Clifton appeared shot dead Monday morning as he made his first appearance since confirming his intention to leave the BBC show.
The professional ballroom dancer confirmed that he was walking away from Strictly after seven years and a Glitter Ball triumph on Friday afternoon.
But his first public appearance since the news was announced was a moderate affair, with Clifton, 37, venturing alone in London.
Going out: Strictly Come Dancing star Kevin Clifton looked depressed Monday morning as he made his first appearance since confirming his intention to leave the BBC show.
The dancer was without girlfriend Stacey Dooley, the celebrity partner with whom he won the show in 2018, while crossing a street on the terrace.
It is understood that Clifton almost left the BBC show last year, but was convinced to stay by the show’s bosses.
The British pro has been said to have refused big contracts to stay with the show for another series, but was disappointed when he was eliminated in the second week alongside presenter Anneka Rice, 61.
Clifton is said to have decided to stop strictly with the encouragement of his girlfriend Dooley, 32.
He left! Strictly Come Dancing pro, Kevin Clifton, nearly quit the BBC show last year, but was convinced to stay with the show’s bosses
A source told The Sun that Kevin was disgusted with staying strictly on Strictly after refusing huge deals in the West End, which was far more than the £ 45,000 he had earned as a dancer in the series.
The Grimsby-born dancer finished in 14th place with Anneka, while the couple was only the second couple to be eliminated.
The source told the newspaper: “ Kevin was inundated with lucrative offers after winning Strictly with Stacey in 2018 and he then told the bosses that he wanted to get away.
Too bad: it was claimed that he had refused big contracts to stay with the show for another series, but he was disappointed when he was associated with the presenter Anneka Rice.
“His head was turned by money. But he was brought up with a lot of flattery that “ King Kev ” was the most beloved professional dancer in the series.
“He hoped to follow his victory and that of Stacey more successfully. Instead, he was paired with Anneka, who – as beautiful as she is – never made it to the final.
MailOnline contacted representatives of Kevin Clifton, Stacey Dooley, Anneka Rice and Strictly Come Dancing for comments.
The Mirror also reported that Kevin had stopped strictly to protect his relationship with his girlfriend Stacey, but a representative of the star denied these claims.
You can do it! It comes following reports that Stacey Dooley encouraged her boyfriend Kevin to leave the show so they can become a television couple
It comes as a result of reports that Stacey encouraged her boyfriend Kevin to leave the series so that they can become a powerful television couple.
A source told The Sun that Kevin’s decision to leave Stridly shocked the bosses of the series since he had become one of his most beloved pros.
It has also been claimed that Kevin told his friends that he could be an even bigger star after leaving the series, with Stacey also supporting his decision.
The insider said: “ Kevin’s decision was a real shock to many of the people involved in the show. But the point is, he just thinks he’s taller than he is now – even if that’s what put him where he is today.
Big money: A source said that the presenter had suggested that she and her stepfather could take advantage of big budget projects, while the professional considered that he had become “ too big ” for the program from the BBC (photo)
They added, “ He told people he thought he was now a bigger star than the celebrities on the show, and Stacey encouraged him to go out alone. She thinks they can be a bit of a powerful couple for television.
“ The bosses were shocked that someone who benefited so much from the show wanted to leave. But fame and fortune obviously turned his head.
MailOnline contacted representatives of Stacey Dooley, Kevin Clifton and Strictly Come Dancing for comments.
Friday, Kevin left fans devastated when he announced that he had quit strictly after seven years on the show.
Many fans went on Twitter to share their tributes, with an icon quoting Bruce Forsyth as saying “ you were my favorite. ”
Sharing a series of photos, Kevin wrote, “To the whole Strictly family. The past 7 years have been among the most wonderful in my life.
“ I want to leave on a good note ”: Friday, Kevin left the fans devastated when he announced that he had stopped strictly after seven years in the series (photo with Stacey in 2018)
“I am grateful to the BBC and Strictly Come Dancing for giving me the opportunity to be part of something truly special.
“ Since I was first called ‘Kevin From Grimsby’ by Sir Bruce Forsyth in 2013, I have known the heights of 5 finals, winning a Guinness World Record on It Takes Two, the Strictly Arena tour Glitterball, then the last victory of the 2018 series with Stacey Dooley.
“ After finishing the last series with the Children In Need trophy and the Christmas special, I want to start off in style, so I decided that the time had come to move on and focus on other areas. of my life and my career. ”
He continued: “ I want to thank all the pros for inspiring me every day as well as all of my famous partners. The whole team behind the scenes has always made the Strictly family what it is and the best show to work for.
Sweet: Stacey paid tribute to her boyfriend and dance partner because she sprang that he “ will always be the King of Strictly ”
Funny: Stacey liked a tweet in which a fan used the hashtag “7 years of itching”, as they said: “Well done and what an incredible 7 years it has been!”
What a blow! Kevin’s news will no doubt be a shock to his legion of fans as he is a very popular member of the Strictly family
“Thank you to everyone who has already voted for me and my partners. It means the world. And a special thank you to Jason Gilkison for always believing in me.
“For me, Strictly has always been and will always be the best TV show and has been an absolute dream and an honor to be part of.
“Before 2013, I watched every week. Now I can’t wait to be a fan again and cheer on my friends who keep dancing. Kevin Clifton. ”
A spokesperson for Strictly Come Dancing wrote on Instagram: “ Kevin has been such a brilliant part of Strictly in the past seven years.
“ Reaching the impressive five-time final to raise the Glitterball with Stacey Dooley in 2018, he offered the show some fantastic moments, thanks to his exceptional talent as a dancer and choreographer.
“He will be greatly missed by fans and his Strictly family. He will always be our Kevin de Grimsby.
He said: “Thank you to everyone who has already voted for me and my partners. It means the world. And a special thank you to Jason Gilkison for always believing in me.
Stacey went to Instagram to share a spouting tribute to her boyfriend, while sharing a selfie of the two and wrote: “ Will always be the King of Strictly. Well done Darlin. Watch this place !!!! ‘
She then shared a video so that she could speak publicly about the news and sprang up: “ I just saw that Kev just published an article about his departure from Strictly.
“ I just wanted to say publicly to Kevin that I am so proud of you that what you have accomplished on this show is remarkable and completely undeniable.
Praise: Stacey went to Instagram to share a jovial tribute to her stepson, while sharing a selfie of the two and wrote: “ … will always be the King of Strictly. Well done darling
“ Without a doubt, you are the best performing pro to date and that is because you work so hard and you are kind, and you are full of grace and you are so talented, and I can’t wait to see what that you have next. Well done darling.
Reiterating her statement, she also wrote a sweet comment on Kevin’s post: “I could burst out with pride. Undeniably, Strictly’s most successful pro.
“ Everything won, treated everyone with respect and kindness, worked so hard and now leaving a high. You will always be the King of Strictly.
She also liked a tweet in which a fan used the hashtag “7 years of itching”, as they said: “Well done and what an incredible 7 years it has been!”
Lovely: Stacey also went on Instagram to pay a sweet tribute to her boyfriend Kevin after her announcement
A multitude of celebrities paid tribute to the star after her announcement as they wrote messages of support and best wishes.
The former winner of Strictly Ore Oduba wrote: ‘Once a champion (FOUR TIMES a champion!) Always a champion .. what an incredible 7 years and so much to come !!! Couldn’t be more proud Kev. Super star’
While current judge Motsi Mabuse added: “ Good luck on your new trip !! Your presence is so unique! You have always been 100% committed! All the best and we will certainly miss you.
Susanna Reid, who was paired with Kevin when she first appeared in the series in 2013, wrote: ‘From the first time, thank you – and congratulations on being such an incredible part of the series.’
Sweet: Susanna Reid, who was paired with Kevin when she first appeared on the show in 2013 (photo), wrote: “ From your first, thank you – and congratulations ”
10 at all levels: Kevin has had an incredible tenure in the series since joining in 2013 and has received three 40s on the series, including two with Kellie Bright in 2015 (photo)
Make it big: Kevin also received top marks for his Argentine tango with Louise Redknapp (photo making a Jive)
Fans went to Twitter after the star made the announcement, expressing their sadness but wishing him all the best.
While another added: ‘Gobsmacked !!!! But good luck in all your future projects. We will miss your cheeky little face !!
One of them added to this feeling, as they wrote, “As much as I am upset to see you leave Strictly, I am so excited to see what you will do next!” Fingers crossed for more musicals with tours to Liverpool thank you.
One fan also said, “ Kevin, just saw the news. Devastated. To quote Sir Bruce “you are my favorite”. I wish you every success in your next project.
Stacey and Kevin have been dating since they got together on the 2018 Strictly Come Dancing series – which they won together.
The media personality moved into the dancer’s apartment after leaving the house she shared with her former partner Sam Tucknott in Brighton.
Kevin has had an incredible tenure in the series since joining in 2013, and has received three 40s on the series for his Argentine tango with Louise, and two with Kellie Bright for their tango and showdance.
Finally! Kevin won the Glitterball trophy in 2018 alongside his girlfriend Stacey
Last stint: Kevin placed second in season 11 in 2013 to season 14 in 2016, but had his worst ranking in the 2019 series with Anneka Rice (photo) when they finished 14th.
He finished second in the series four consecutive years, from season 11 in 2013 to season 14 in 2016, he came 7th in series 15 with Susan Calman and had his worst ranking in the 2019 series with Anneka Rice in finishing 14th.
Earlier this week, Kevin ended his stint in London’s production of The Wedding Singer, which was presented at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theater in London.
He is now ready to play against his sister Joanne in their new British tour of Burn The Floor, which will be touring the UK from March 26 to May 24.
On the stage: Earlier this week, Kevin ended his stint in London’s production of The Wedding Singer, which was presented at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theater in London
New businesses: Kevin should now play against his sister Joanne in their new British tour of Burn The Floor, which will be touring the UK from March 26 to May 24
