Katya Jones was "shocked" to hear Kevin Clifton had quit \'Strictly Come Dancing\'.
The 30-year-old professional dancer had "no idea" her 37-year-old co-star was leaving the BBC dancing competition after seven years.
She told the MailOnline at the TRIC Awards on Tuesday (10.03.20): "I was shocked and had no idea. It was a surprise for all of us. But I love to see our professionals do other things. It\'s exciting. He has so many passions and I\'m really happy for him."
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Kevin announced his departure last week on Instagram stating he is ready to move on with his career.
He wrote: "The past seven 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 five 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."
Kevin wanted to end his time at \'Strictly\' "on a high" after taking home the \'Children In Need\' trophy last year.
He added: "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."
However, Katya and the rest of the BBC crew are sad to say goodbye to a talented dancer, but are looking forward to seeing what he does next.
She said: "As far as \'Strictly\'s concerned, we are losing a good professional. But I\'m really happy he\'s growing and doing other things. He\'s so talented and fab."
29 December 2025 - 3:17 AM
