Stacey Dooley congratulates Kevin Clifton after Strictly Come Dancing exit

Stacey Dooley has congratulated her boyfriend Kevin Clifton after he announced he is leaving \'Strictly Come Dancing\'.

The 37-year-old professional dancer is walking away from the BBC One ballroom show after seven years, and following his announcement on Friday (06.03.20), his partner Stacey - with whom he won the glitterball trophy in 2018 - has praised him for the difficult decision, hailing him as the "King of Strictly".

In an Instagram post, Stacey wrote: "...will always be the King of Strictly.

Kevin Clifton nearly U-turned on Strictly decision

"Well done darlin.

"Watch this space!!!! (sic)"

Kevin announced his decision on social media, where he said he\'s keen to leave the show "on a high" after winning the \'Children In Need\' and Christmas specials in 2019.

EastEnders confirm compilation finale for Secrets from the Square

He said: "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.

"Since first being called Kevin From Grimsby by Sir Bruce Forsyth in 2013 I have experienced the highs of 5 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.

"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."

EastEnders: Secrets from the Square to stay on screen for longer run

The dancer - who joined in 2013 - also paid tribute to all of the other professionals he has worked with during his time on the programme and all of his celebrity partners, who have included Louise Redknapp, Susanna Reid, and Frankie Bridge.

He continued: "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. And a special thank you to Jason Gilkison for always believing in me.

"To me Strictly always has been and always will be the best show on TV and has been an absolute dream and honour to be a part of. Pre-2013 I used to watch every week. Now I look forward to returning to being a fan and cheering on my friends who keep dancing."