Stacey Dooley slams claims that she ‘pushed’ boyfriend Kevin Clifton to quit Strictly Come Dancing

Strictly Come Dancing star Kevin Clifton announced yesterday that he won’t be making a return to the show.

The dancer has appeared as a pro on the smash hit BBC competition for the past seven years, but took to social media yesterday to confirm his departure.

Reminiscing on his stint on the programme, which saw him win the glitterball trophy with his now girlfriend Stacey Dooley in 2018, Kevin penned, ‘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.

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‘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.

‘Thank you to anyone who has ever voted for me and my partners. It means the world.’

Taking to the comment section, investigative journalist Stacey swooned over her boyfriend's big decision, '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 ❤️.'

Now, the red haired telly star has been forced to hit back at claims she encouraged Kevin to quit, following tabloid reports that she ‘pushed’ him to leave so that they could become a ‘power couple’.

Taking to Twitter to blast the allegations, the fiery documentary maker said, ‘Honestly, we knew this would happen. 🙄 And so it starts, again...... Utter nonsense.

'"TV power couple" 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Give. Me. A. Break. These articles are so, so embarrassing,’ she continued.

In light of Kevin’s news, Stacey took to Instagram to share how proud she is of her beau.

‘..will always be the King of Strictly. Well done darlin. Watch this space!!!! ❤️,’ she typed beside a sweet selfie of the pair.