The 36-year-old Grimsby-born star hails from an all-dancing family, with both his parents being former competitive dancers and owning a dance studio of their own and his sister Joanne Clifton, 35, also following in their footsteps. The Strictly Come Dancing star’s former girlfriend Kerri-Anne, 33, now works as a choreographer on the BBC show and took a trip down memory lane with the Glitterball trophy holder after he was crowned 2018 champion with Stacey Dooley, 31, last weekend. Taking to Facebook to congratulate Kevin Clifton, Kerri-Anne uploaded an adorable snap of the pair as youngsters. “My first boyfriend just won @bbcstrictly,” she said, adding the hashtags: “#welldeserved #strictlycomedancing.”
In the picture, Kevin could be seen smiling in a white shirt and bow-tie, while Kerri-Anne wore a bright yellow dress with a matching headband, looking ready to take to the dance floor at a competition.
She also shared a selfie of the pair together at the Strictly wrap party.
Kevin’s mother Judy Clifton later shared her post and picture on her own Facebook page, saying: “Ahhh. Kerri great to see you last night. Like we said; those were the days.”
“They really were the good old days!!!” Kerri-Anne replied. “So, so happy for Kevin and Stacey.”
Kevin and his fellow dancer Kerri-Anne are said to have met while competing around the country when they were younger.
“Kerri-Anne had her dance partner and Kevin had his,” her other Colin Donaldson, 81, told the publication.
“Kerri-Anne was very good and so was Kevin, but they were competing against each other.”
Her parents also run a dance studio, like Kevin’s.
She won her first international title at the age of nine and has since represented the UK at the World Ballroom Dancing Championship in 2012.
She also created Britain’s Got Talent 2012 semi-finalist dance troupe Kings and Queens.
According to the publication, Kerri-Anne and Kevin remained close friends after their split and are pals on Strictly.
His love life hit the headlines during last year’s series when reports emerged claiming his marriage to Karen Clifton, 36, was on the rocks.
In March, the couple confirmed they had separated but assured fans they were still together in a professional capacity and would be going ahead with their UK dance tour.
“Privately, we’re not together anymore,” he said, during an appearance on BBC Radio 2. “But professionally, we’re stronger than ever.”
“Dance is how we came together and is the glue that’s held us together for years now” Karen chipped in. “We’re still the best of friends.”