Kevin Clifton opens up on Strictly host rumours after he and partner Stacey Dooley tipped to replace Claudia and Tess liennhi
FORMER Strictly Come Dancing professional Kevin Clifton has broken his silence after he and partner Stacey Dooley were tipped for the show’s hosting roles.
The Traitors presenter Claudia Winkleman, 53, alongside her Strictly sidekick Tess Daly, 56, announced their plans to step down from their iconic BBC telly role on Thursday.
During Saturday’s live episode, the duo got teary as they opened the first show since announcing they were quitting at the end of the series.
The two made history as primetime television’s first female presenting duo when they paired up to co-host the show in 2014.
Both had been part of Strictly since 2004, Tess hosting the main show with Bruce Forsyth and Claudia on spin-off It Takes Two.
Last week, all the stars in line to replace Tess and Claudia came to light and, on Monday’s episode of ITV daytime series Good Morning Britain, Grimsby-born Kevin addressed the speculation.
Kevin quit Strictly in 2020 after seven years on the BBC series as a show pro.
This came two years after he scooped the Glitter Ball trophy with partner and baby-momma Stacey.
After GMB anchors Ed Balls and Charlotte Hawkins told how he was a name in the frame, he said: “Stace would be amazing.
“But we have had no conversations about it.”
Yet the pair are no strangers to working together, and are currently starring in the stage version of 2:22 A Ghost Story.
Presenter Stacey’s odds are currently 2/1 and considering the BBC are looking for two hosts, Kevin could well be a great choice to join his ladylove.
Meanwhile, drag queen La Voix threw her name in the frame for the job on Saturday’s live Strictly show.
Other suggestions include Holly Willoughby and Zoe Ball.
EXIT LOWDOWN
It comes after The Sun revealed the real reason behind Tess and Claud’s shock departure.
BBC bosses are said to have been blindsided by their departure, with only a small number of people in the TV industry made aware of their intentions.
All your Strictly Come Dancing winners
Strictly first kicked off back in 2004, and over the years has crowned 21 winners.
Here is a full list of who has been lucky enough to win the famous Glitterball Trophy:
- 2004 – Natasha Kaplinsky
- 2004 – Jill Halfpenny
- 2005 – Darren Gough
- 2006 – Mark Ramprakash
- 2007 – Alesha Dixon
- 2008 – Tom Chambers
- 2009 – Chris Hollins
- 2010 – Kara Tointon
- 2011 – Harry Judd
- 2012 – Louis Smith
- 2013 – Abbey Clancy
- 2014 – Caroline Flack
- 2015 – Jay McGuiness
- 2016 – Ore Oduba
- 2017 – Joe McFadden
- 2018 – Stacey Dooley
- 2019 – Kelvin Fletcher
- 2020 – Bill Bailey
- 2021 – Rose Ayling-Ellis
- 2022 – Hamza Yassin
- 2023 – Ellie Leach
- 2024 – Chris McCausland
It’s understood they secretly filmed the exit video weeks ago — and released it mid-series so as not to overshadow the eventual winner.
Their last show will be on Christmas Day.
A source said: “Claudia and Tess have known they were leaving Strictly since last year. They felt like it was their time to go.
“They discussed this privately and agreed they would walk away together, but kept it firmly under wraps.”
Their exit comes after the BBC show was hit by a string of recent scandals involving its professional dancers and behind-the-scenes conduct.
Plummeting viewing figures and “underwhelming” line-ups even prompted betting giants to offer odds earlier this year on this being the show’s final outing.
EXIT STATEMENTS
In a statement to her fans, Tess said it was “time to say goodbye” and described Strictly as “about joy, celebration, and bringing people together”.
Tess also paid tribute to her co-host, adding: “To my beloved Claud – what an absolute joy and pleasure it has been sharing this adventure with you.
“You’re one of a kind, and I’ll treasure every giggle, every live show, and every backstage moment we’ve shared.”
Claudia called the show “the greatest relationship of my career”.
She said: “Strictly is a magical, glittery, fake-tanned train and it’s been a privilege to be a tiny part of it.
“I’ve always believed it’s best to leave a party before you’re fully ready to go.”
She also remembered legendary judge Len Goodman, saying: “I will never forget Len Goodman trying to teach me what a cucaracha is (I still don’t know.)
“And the complete thrill and honour it was to work with Tess on the results show to cohosting on Saturday nights.
She praised Tess, adding: “As for Tess – I’m so, so lucky I got to stand next to you. You’re funny, kind, whip smart and a true friend and I love you.”
Strictly’s Kai Widdrington enjoys night out with new girlfriend as ex Nadiya Bychkova ‘grows close’ to West End star liennhi
STRICTLY Come Dancing star Kai Widdrington looked smitten with his new girlfriend Chloe Wells as they cosied up on a night out in London.
The dance pro, who is partnered with Vicky Pattison in this year’s BBC series, planted an affectionate kiss on
Having made it through another week of competition, Kai, 30, unwound with a bottle of beer while executive assistant Chloe, who he began dating in April, enjoyed a flute of fizz.
They coordinated their black outfits and looked a perfect pair in front of a floral backdrop.
Earlier this year, Kai told Christine Lampard on Lorraine he was in a really good place, adding: “I feel very very happy and it’s largely down to my other half as well.”
Vicky shared her love for the duo, calling them her “faves”, while Tyler West said they were “my people”.
It comes just days after we revealed Kai’s Strictly ex Nadiya Bychkova, 35, has hit it off with West End star Ian McIntosh.
The couple were spotted enjoying a coffee date in London, 18 months on from her acrimonious split with Kai.
It is understood they quietly got together earlier this year after attending a gala together in March.
They were seen laughing together, sharing an embrace, while Nadiya later held Les Miserables star Ian’s face in her hand.
While she follows Ian, currently starring as Jean Valjean in the Victor Hugo classic, on Instagram he does not follow anyone on his official account.
A source revealed: “Nadiya and Ian have a couple of mutual friends and were introduced — they hit it off immediately.
“They have attended a couple of red carpet events together and thought people might start noticing their relationship sooner.
“They have loads in common and just have a lot of fun together — it is lovely to see. Everyone is very happy for them.”
It is the first time the mum of one has been publicly linked to someone since her split from Kai.
Last week Nadiya was voted off this year’s Strictly contest with her partner, the former England rugby captain Chris Robshaw.
The stunning Ukrainian star previously danced alongside former BBC Breakfast presenter, Dan Walker in 2021, and the pair have remained firm friends in the intervening years.
It was recently revealed that Nadiya and Dan had gone into business together, launching a production company, Butterfly Entertainment.
He was reportedly “a pillar of strength” for Nadiya after she split from her fiancé, Slovenian footballer Matija Škarabot, who is the father of her daughter.
In March, Dan supported the dancer on tour, interviewing the mother of one on stage for A Special Evening with Nadiya during the Sheffield and Barnsley shows.
They also took part in a glamorous cover shoot for the Yorkshire Post Magazine where Dan wore a tuxedo and Nadiya stunned in a figure-hugging red gown.
