Kevin Clifton is set to star in a West End show.
Kevin Clifton
The 37-year-old professional dancer has quit 'Strictly Come Dancing' after seven years on the show and insiders have revealed that the offer of his own show in London's West End was a major factor in his decision to leave.
A source told The Sun newspaper's Bizarre column: "Kevin's decision came as a real shock to many of those involved in the show.
"The money 'Strictly' dancers get paid is around £45,000 - a lot less than he is going to make from his own commercial deals, so that was a factor.
"Bosses were shocked that somebody who has benefited so much from the show wants to walk away. But he's got a West End deal in place already and that's going to take up most of his year so there was no persuading him to stay. His mind was made up."
Kevin revealed he is walking away from the BBC One ballroom show after deciding to leave the programme "on a high" after winning the 'Children In Need' and Christmas specials in 2019.
In a statement posted onto his social media channels on Friday (06.03.20), he said: "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."
Kevin's girlfriend Stacey Dooley - who he met when they were partnered on the show in 2018 - took to Instagram to praise her boyfriend.
The TV presenter - who won the glitterball trophy with Kevin - wrote: "I could burst with pride. Undeniably the most successful pro on Strictly. Won everything, treated everyone with respect and kindness, worked SO bloody hard and now leaving on a high. You will always be the King of Strictly."
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