Kevin Clifton announces ‘perfect’ new job following shock Strictly exit

His TV co-stars have been congratulating him on the news

Kevin Clifton

by William Marriott |
Updated on

Kevin Clifton shocked the nation last week after he revealed he'd quit Strictly Come Dancing and would no longer be appearing on the show as a professional dance partner.

Yet, unbeknown to us, he had a huge secret waiting to be announced and it's finally been unveiled - he's starring in Strictly Ballroom: The Musical.

Announcing the news on Instagram, Kevin posted a promo picture for the musical, adding, "The secret’s out... I’ve swapped one ballroom for another! From September 2020 I’ll be waltzing around the UK & Ireland as Scott Hastings in @strictlyballroomtouruk. I can’t wait for this next chapter to begin. Hope to see u all there!"

And in a strange turn of events, the man who used to judge Kevin on the show is now his boss (well, kind of), as Craig Revel Horwood is directing the extravaganza.

CHECK OUT: The Strictly stars who fell in love after meeting on the show

Gallery

RADIO Strictly Come Dancing couples - slider with cover pic

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Swipe through to see which couples found love on Strictly Come Dancing...

Natasha Kaplinsky and Brendan Cole2 of 12
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Natasha Kaplinsky and Brendan Cole

On the first ever series of Strictly back in 2001, news reader Natasha Kaplinsky and professional dancer Brendan Cole were paired together.Despite both being in other relationships at the time, both Natasha and Brendan called off their romances and started dating after the series finished. Their relationship didn't last long though, and they are now both happily married to other people.

Ali Bastian and Brian Fortuna3 of 12
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Ali Bastian and Brian Fortuna

It was love at first sight for former Hollyoaks actress Ali Bastian and her Strictly partner Brian Fortuna in 2009. With the pair both single at the time, Ali and Brian started a relationship, only for it to end the following year.

Joe Calzaghe and Kristina Rihanoff4 of 12
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Joe Calzaghe and Kristina Rihanoff

When boxer Joe Calzaghe appeared on the show in 2009, he announced to the press that his relationship with his partner Jo-Emma Larvin had come to an end, just one week into his Strictly journey. Joe's professional dance partner Kristina Rihanoff was more than a shoulder to cry on, with the pair starting a romance. They went on to date for four years after show, before announcing their split.

Ben Cohen and Kristina Rihanoff5 of 12
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Ben Cohen and Kristina Rihanoff

After her relationship with Joe Calzaghe fell apart, Kristina later met another Strictly contestant, England rugby ace Ben Cohen. Both Ben and Kristina have denied rumours that Ben was still with his ex-wife Abby Blayney at the time they started dating, with the pair claiming they didn't get together until a year later. Things are going well however, the pair now share a daughter together called Milena and are in a happy relationship.

Kara Tointon and Artem Chigvintsev6 of 12
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Kara Tointon and Artem Chigvintsev

After her split from Joe Swash, actress Kara Tointon appeared on the 2010 series of Strictly and mended her broken heart with a little help from professional dancer Artem Chigvintsev.Despite this, things didn't work out for the couple and Kara is now loved-up with her boyfriend Marius Jensen, with rumours suggesting she could be pregnant with the couple's first child.

Rachel Riley and Pasha Kovalev7 of 12
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Rachel Riley and Pasha Kovalev

When Countdown presenter Rachel Riley appeared on Strictly in 2013 she was married to her ex-husband Jamie Gilbert. However, after just 16 months of marriage, the pair announced they were set for divorce in November 2016. Fast-forward to 2016 and Rachel revealed she was in a relationship with her 2013 Strictly partner Pasha Kovalev... And they are still together!

Georgia May Foote and Giovanni Pernice8 of 12
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Georgia May Foote and Giovanni Pernice

Georgia May Foote was dating her Coronation Street co-star Sean Ward when she joined the show in 2015. But when rumours circulated that the couple's relationship wasn't going well, they split in December 2015. Georgia was then spotted getting very cosy with her Strictly partner Giovanni, with the pair enjoying a holiday to Disneyland Paris for New Year.Despite this, the couple ended their relationship in August 2016.

Dianne Buswell and Joe Sugg9 of 12
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Dianne Buswell and Joe Sugg

After weeks of rumours, Joe Sugg appeared to confirm his relationship with Strictly Come Dancing partner Dianne Buswell with a photo on Instagram, the caption read, 'I may not have won the glitter ball, but I've won something a million times more special.'

Gemma Atkinson and Gorka Marquez10 of 12
CREDIT: u00a9 Getty Images

Gemma Atkinson and Gorka Marquez

Radio presenter Gemma Atkinson and professional dancer Gorka Marquez were first linked in the 2017 series, and got together whilst on the 2018 annual tour together. They moved in together in December 2018.

Giovanni Pernice and Ashley Roberts11 of 12
CREDIT: u00a9 Getty Images

Giovanni Pernice and Ashley Roberts

Professional dancer Giovanni Pernice and Pussycat Doll Ashley Roberts were forced to deny they were dating during the 2018 series, but Giovanni confirmed the relationship in January 2019.In January 2020, the duo confirmed they'd split.

Caroline Flack and AJ Pritchard12 of 12
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Caroline Flack and AJ Pritchard

Official news on whether these two are dating is yet to be confirmed, but 2014 Strictly winner Caroline Flack was spotted kissing professional dancer AJ Pritchard at the 2019 NTAs.

Kevin's Strictly pals were quick to comment on the photo, with fellow pro Johannes Rabede writing, "Incredible papa! Suited for your ✊🏾😍", while Oti Mabuse commented, "This is sooooooo perfect!!!!! The absoloute perfect role for you CONGRATULATIONS."

Strictly's Head Judge Shirley Ballas said, "Congratulations Kevin. Enjoy your journey" and Gorka Marquez said, "Amazing!! This is so you!!"

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Kevin revealed his time on Strictly was over last week in a statement which read, "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."

He added, "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."

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