Stacey Dooley, 32, was in a relationship with personal trainer Sam Tucknott, 30, for three years before he recently confirmed they had parted ways. He went on to claim the documentary filmmaker had since developed a romance with her former Strictly Come Dancing partner Kevin Clifton, 36, with whom she won the BBC series last year. Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, Match’s dating expert Hayley Quinn voiced her belief the rumoured new couple have more long-term potential than fans might think. “When we think about longevity in relationships a few qualities come high up on the list,” she said. “One is to have realistic expectations; this means that you don’t have a fairy-tale outlook on love but are mentally prepared for the commitment that comes with the real-deal.”
Hayley said the rollercoaster journey Stacey and Kevin went through on Strictly together might not appear to lend itself to such “realistic expectations”.
“At first glance, experiencing the emotional high of winning Strictly seems far from ‘reality’,” she said.
“However, on numerous occasions Kevin has shown how he is realistic in how he looks at relationships, including continuing his professional relationship with ex-wife Karen [Clifton].
“His vulnerability, openness and respect for his ex’s all suggest a man who is relationship orientated,” Hayley explained.
“Stacey likewise is a serial monogamer, so maybe their relationship has more hopes of longevity than people might immediately think.”
She also revealed the “biggest tell” of Strictly dancer Kevin’s character when it comes to relationships is how he talks about his ex Karen, 36.
“If you are dating someone who places all the blame for their previous relationship failing on their former partner, watch out!” she warned.
“The fact that Kevin has maintained a working relationship with Karen and says that they will always have, ‘love for each other’, suggests a person with the right attitude towards relationships.”
Meanwhile, yesterday, Stacey and Kevin were pictured together for the first time since the romance reports emerged.
She shared a snap of the pair posing together as she stepped out to watch him perform in Burn the Floor last night.
The picture, which was uploaded in view of her 724,000 Instagram followers, showed them beaming backstage, Kevin putting his arm around her shoulders.
Kevin also shared the picture with his own 327,000 followers.
Since reports about her rumoured romance with Kevin
Grimsby-born dancer Kevin announced his split from fellow Strictly pro Karen last year.
They have remained amicable and went on to dance together on their joint tour last summer.
Karen has since moved on with her new beau, opera singer David Webb.