Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Jane Lavender & Frances Kindon

Kevin Clifton and Gorka Marquez's bitter Strictly 'feud' as one gets last laugh

Strictly Come Dancing seems to be the friendliest reality TV competition on the small screen.

Despite stars working tirelessly in their bid to lift the Glitterball trophy, the pro dancers and their celebrity partners all seem to be one big happy family.

However, behind the scenes there are rumours of simmering tensions and secret feuds - even among the professional dancers.

Kevin Clifton and Gorka Marquez are two of the most popular pros on the hit BBC show - but there are whispers the pair are far from the best of friends.

Gorka made no secret of his disappointment when he wasn't given a celebrity partner in 2019 after winning the heart of nation with his dance floor moves with Katie Piper the year before.

Kevin has quit the hit show (PA)

And when footballer Alex Scott's professional partner, Neil Jones, was injured himself in training he was even more miffed he wasn't chosen to replace him.

Instead, Strictly bosses opted for 2018 winner, Kevin Clifton, who had been left with out a partner when Aneka Rice was voted off a few weeks earlier.

Gorka made no secret of his feelings by retweeting a series of angry fan messages including one that read, "Gorka deserved it not Kevin who already had a partner this year."

“Should have be Gorks not King Kev," read another.

Rumours started to swirl that all was not well between the two dancers in August 2019 when Kevin ignored Gorka's 'demotion' but sent messages of comfort to their co-star Graziano, who was in the same boat.

Gorka has now been promoted so he has a celeb partner (BBC/Ray Burmiston)

Referencing his sister Joanna Clifton, Kevin tweeted his support to Garziano, writing, "Mate, my sister was the same in her second series.

"In her third series she won! You’re one of the best dancers I know so get ready to OWN 2020!"

But when Gorka tweeted about his own lack of partner, fans noticed there was radio silence from Kevin.

However, it looks like Gorka has had the last laugh in 2020 as Kevin announced he was quitting Strictly.

And following the news of Kevin's departure it was once again announced Gorka, who welcomed daughter Mia with Gemma Atkins last year, would be 'promoted' to have a celeb partner this series.

And Gorka wasted no time in letting his fans know how happy he was.

Posing with his baby daughter, Gorka wrote on Instagram : "I’M BACK ON @bbcstrictly for my 5th series. I think Mia is even more excited than me!! #keepdancing."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.