Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton's 'romance' was 'open secret' on Strictly tour

Stacey Dooley's closeness to Kevin Clifton was an 'open secret' on the Strictly Come Dancing tour, a source close to the show has claimed.

The insider told how crew members noticed Stacey 'gushing over Kevin,' who was absent from the live shows because of other commitments - but would occasionally turn up to support the cast.

Stacey, 36, was still in a relationship with Sam Tucknott at the time of the arena tour which kicked off in January.

Yesterday, a heartbroken Sam revealed how he'd found Stacey Dooley DATING Strictly's Kevin Clifton as her ex finds 'secret texts' to Stacey saying 'I love you' three months later.

Stacey's fondness for Kevin was an 'open secret,' a Strictly source has claimed (BBC)

Sam said Stacey insisted nothing had happened between her and dancer partner Kevin until their five year relationship was over.

However, a source at the Strictly tour has told The Sun Stacey's closeness to Kevin 'raised eyebrows' backstage.

They said: "Everyone believed romance was blossoming between them.

"Kevin was a regular feature. He’d cheer on Stacey when he could, then spend time with her and the others at the hotel.

“Stacey didn’t hide the fact she wasn’t happy at home and barely mentioned Sam."

Stacey Dooley breaks silence on Kevin Clifton scandal to post about forgiveness

Kevin Clifton and Stacey Dooley were partnered together on Strictly 2018 and are now rumoured to have become more than just friends (PA)

Sam has revealed his heartbreak at his split from Stacey, who he dated for five years (Instagram)

During the month long tour Stacey was away from their home in Brighton as she performed with Aljaž Škorjanec, 29, as Kevin took to the stage in Rock Of Ages.

Yesterday, Stacey's ex Sam hit out after the demise of his five year relationship and claimed to notice signs his girlfriend was getting close to Kevin during the compeition.

He furiously branded the BBC One dance show 'Strictly Come Dating' and also described it as 'sleazy'.

"Strictly is meant to be a family show – my little niece watches it – but it’s so sleazy, and I cannot begin to wonder what goes on behind the scenes," he added.

Stacey Dooley DATING Strictly's Kevin Clifton as her ex finds 'secret texts'

Stacey and Kevin were crowned the overall winners of the show back in December (BBC/Guy Levy)

But he saved his worst criticism for Kevin, branding him an 'absolute rat' after claiming to have seen texts from him on his girlfriend's phone.

While documentary film maker Stacey is yet to speak about the allegations directly, she did take to Twitter after Sam's outburst to like a cryptic post about forgiveness.

The tweet read: "Forgive not because they deserve forgiveness

"But because you deserve peace."