Former Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Joanne Clifton has announced she is pregnant with her partner AJ Jenks. The 42-year-old revealed the news on social media with a picture of a London Underground Baby On Board badge, typically worn to indicate that the wearer needs a seat due to pregnancy.
Social Media Announcement and Partner's Joke
In a comment on the post, her partner jokingly suggested the baby would be named “ErlingbellinghamDebrunyeLennonMcCartneyTaylorHansonHelenMcroryClaudiaWinklemanAlanCarrBuddyHollyPollyShermanPrincessFiona Clifton-Jenks”, adding “cya (see you) in September.”
Congratulatory Messages from Strictly Stars
A number of current and former stars of the BBC dancing show posted congratulations, including dancers Amy Dowden, Carlos Gu, Dianne Buswell, and Michelle Tsiakkas. Fellow former Strictly dancer Oti Mabuse wrote: “Incredible news.” Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two presenter and former dancer Janette Manrara added: “Amazing news.” Fleur East, also from It Takes Two, posted: “Wooo, congratulations.” Her brother Kevin Clifton, also a former Strictly professional, posted three hearts to congratulate his sister and her partner.
Joanne Clifton's Strictly Career and Stage Work
Clifton appeared on Strictly from 2014 to 2016, winning the 14th series with celebrity contestant Ore Oduba. She also served as an expert presenter on It Takes Two in 2015 and 2019. In the show's 12th series, she placed 11th with former Radio 2 presenter Scott Mills, who was sacked by the BBC in March. Since leaving Strictly, Clifton has performed in stage shows including the UK tours of Shrek the Musical and The Addams Family. Most recently, she has been starring as Polly in the UK tour of Fawlty Towers: The Play.
