Strictly Come Dancing viewers have been left in shock by the news that Kevin Clifton has quit the show.
The Grimsby pro dancer has been a fan favourite throughout his time on the smash hit BBC show and finally got the win he wanted and deserved at the end of the 2018 series, when he grabbed the Glitterball alongside now girlfriend Stacey Dooley.
Announcing his departure from Strictly on social media, Kevin posted: "To the entire Strictly family, 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.
"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!"
Adding that is was now looking forward to life as a Strictly viewer, Kevin wrote: "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."
Kevin's other Strictly partners over the years have included Susan Calman, Kellie Bright, Frankie Bridge and Louise Redknapp and, as well as dancing up a storm in the ballroom he has starred on stage in musicals like Rock Of Ages.
