Kevin Clifton quits Strictly Come Dancing after seven years on the show

Kevin Clifton has announced he has quit Strictly Come Dancing, after seven years on the show as a professional dancer.

The talented star took to Instagram to share the news, which will sadden many Strictly fans.

In a lenghtly post, he 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.

'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.

He continued to say, '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.'

Strictly Come Dancing issued a statement following Kevin's announcement. A spokesperson said, "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.”

Fans of the Strictly star took to the comments section to say how much they'll miss him and wish him the best for the future.

One said, 'Absolutely gutted x will miss you so much when it returns but good luck for the future'.

Another added, 'Wishing you a happy rosy future Kevin in whatever you do. You’ve been so popular and successful in Strictly, you’ll be sorely missed 😘'.

Kevin was a part of Strictly for seven years, after joining in 2013 alongside celebrity partner Susanna Reid. He won the show back in 2018, with his now-girlfriend Stacey Dooley.

You'll be missed, Kevin!