Strictly Come Dancing’s Kevin Clifton will be making his return to the series it was revealed on Monday, as competition’s spin-off It Takes Two series returned to screens.
The pro dancer, 40, shockingly quit the series in 2019 after seven years and bagging a win in 2018 alongside now girlfriend Stacey Dooley, 36.
But Kevin will making appearances on the BBC2 catch up show to stand in for resident choreography expert and sister Joanne, 39, due to her commitments touring the country in Shrek The Musical.
Making the announcement host Fleur East, 35, said: ‘Choreography corner is a family affair this year isn’t it Joanne?’.
To which the dancer of her replacement: ‘Yes it’s someone called Kevin, dunno if you know him, he came second in 2016 when I won’.
Back again! Strictly Come Dancing’s Kevin Clifton, 40, will be making his returning to the series it was revealed on Monday, as competition’s spin-off It Takes Two series return to screens
Champion: The pro dancer, 40, shockingly quit the series in 2019 after seven years and bagging a win in 2018 alongside now girlfriend Stacey Dooley, 36 (pictured together on the show)
Joanne, who was previously a pro on the main series, was crowned champion in 2016 alongside BBC presenter Ore Oduba, 37.
Since leaving the show Kevin has gone on to star in musicals including Singing In The Rain and Strictly Ballroom alongside fellow Strictly alum Maisie Smith.
As well as welcoming baby daughter Minnie with girlfriend Stacey in January.
Fans were left devastated when he announced the news back in 2019, as they took to Twitter to share their tributes with one quoting icon Bruce Forsyth by saying ‘you were my favourite’.
Sharing a series of pictures, the 37-year-old 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.’
Stepping in: But Kevin will making appearances on the BBC2 catch up show to stand in for resident choreography expert and sister Joanne, 39 (pictured) due to her commitments touring the country in Shrek The Musical
Siblings: Joanne and Kevin pictured together in 2019
Moving on: Since leaving the show Kevin has gone on to star in musicals including Singing In The Rain and Strictly Ballroom alongside fellow Strictly alum Maisie Smith (pictured together)
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.
‘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. Kevin Clifton.’
A spokesperson for Strictly Come Dancing wrote on Instagram: ‘Kevin has been such a brilliant part of Strictly for the past seven years.
‘From reaching the final an impressive five times, to lifting the Glitterball with Stacey Dooley in 2018, he has provided the show with some fantastic moments, through his exceptional talent as a dancer and choreographer.
‘He will be hugely missed by fans and by his Strictly family. He will always be our Kevin from Grimsby.’
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