Kevin Clifton has dispelled the myth that the \'Strictly Come Dancing\' professionals know who their celebrity partner is before the launch show.
The former \'Strictly\' dancer - who recently announced his departure from the BBC One Latin and ballroom show after seven years - has insisted that despite the big reveal being pre-recorded, the dancers actually do learn who they will be paired up with when co-host Tess Daly makes the announcements on the first episode.
Speaking on \'The Kevin Clifton Show\' podcast, he said: "I want to crush these myths, one of which is that we all know who we are going to be partnered with.
"People assume because the launch show is pre-recorded not live, they think we know who we are going to be partnered with.
"I promise you we never know until that moment that Tess (Daly) announces it ... I think (producers) want that reaction."
The 37-year-old theatre star - who is in a relationship with Stacey Dooley, who he won the 2018 series with - says the pro\'s always like to "guess" who they are going to be partnered with and even create lists of their ideal contestant.
He added: "We always try and guess, and partner people up in our heads, and write lists about who might be with who."
Announcing his departure from the show last month, Kevin said: "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."
