Kevin Clifton and Louise Redknapp waltzed into the final of Strictly Come Dancing just over two years ago and have been pictured together since. The duo have found themselves surrounded by reports they were more than friends, following the Eternal singer’s split from husband Jamie Redknapp. The 44-year-old and the ex footballer, 45, divorced in December 2017 after 19 years of marriage. Now the professional dancer, 36, has denied things ever turning romantic, saying he’s simply “there to do a job”.
Asked what he’s like as a partner on the BBC show, Kevin told The Sun: “I don’t crack the whip, be really strict or a disciplinarian.
“The only way you can do your best is when you feel really comfortable and safe.”
The small screen favourite continued: “And I also tell them I won’t laugh at them at any point — they can make as many mistakes as they want, providing they give their all on the night.”
During his six seasons on Strictly, a number of his celebrity partners have gone on to split with their other halves.
Susanna Reid – who he danced with back in 2013 – split from her long-term boyfriend Dominic Cotton after the show finished.
It was then claimed that Kevin’s close relationship with Louise had sparked problems with his former wife Karen Clifton as well as Jamie.
The publication stated back in December 2017, the BBC pro was said to have urged him to keep Louise away from Kevin.
A source told them: “Karen was very upset at the time and that’s when she asked Jamie to try and keep Louise away from Kevin.”
But he and his partners have always been platonic, as he said: “No, never. You’re there to do a job and get on with the dancing. That’s what it’s about.”
Meanwhile, Kevin will take centre-stage in a new show tomorrow on ITV, All Star Musicals.
He will act as judge alongside Elaine Paige, Trevor Dion Nicholas and Kristin Chenoweth as a group of famous faces try their hand at singing.
When asked what kind of judge he will be, he said he would be like Strictly favourite Dame Darcey Bussell.
Kevin added: “When you stand in front of the judges and they pick you apart, it’s soul destroying. I wanted to be as encouraging as possible.
“If there are things that could be improved you have to say, but I wanted to do it in the most encouraging way so they felt good about it.”
Meanwhile, it comes just days after Louise Redknapp shared a cryptic post after breaking her silence on her split with Jamie.
All Star Musicals airs tomorrow at 6pm on ITV, while Strictly Come Dancing is expected to return to BBC One in the autumn.