In a candid revelation that's set to set the rumour mill spinning, former Strictly Come Dancing professional Kevin Clifton has finally broken his silence about the true nature of his relationship with 2018 dance partner Stacey Dooley.
The dancing sensation, who famously lifted the Glitterball Trophy with the documentary filmmaker, shared intimate details about their journey from dance partners to life partners in a surprisingly frank discussion.
The Strictly Curse That Wasn't
Clifton addressed the persistent speculation about the so-called "Strictly curse" that supposedly struck during their time on the show. "People saw what they wanted to see," the dancer revealed, suggesting that the reality of their relationship development was far more complex than tabloid headlines suggested.
"What viewers witnessed on their screens was the culmination of months of intense training and genuine connection, but the timeline of our personal relationship didn't quite match public perception," Clifton explained.
Life After Strictly
Since their triumphant win and subsequent departure from the BBC dance competition, the couple has navigated the challenges of life in the public eye while building their relationship away from the dance floor.
Clifton spoke warmly about their current dynamic, highlighting how their partnership has evolved beyond the confines of the television studio. "We've created a life together that extends far beyond those Saturday night performances," he shared.
The dancer turned theatre performer also discussed balancing their respective careers with personal life, noting the unique understanding that comes from sharing the Strictly experience.
A Love Forged in Dance
What emerges from Clifton's revelations is a picture of two professionals who discovered genuine connection through their shared passion for dance and performance.
"There's something incredibly bonding about going through that Strictly experience together," Clifton reflected. "The pressure, the excitement, the disappointment, the triumph - it creates a unique foundation for any relationship."
The couple continues to support each other's professional endeavours while maintaining a relatively private personal life, despite ongoing public fascination with their romance.