Strictly's Kevin Clifton 'nearly quit the show last year but bosses convinced him to stay... only to be eliminated in Week 2 with Anneka Rice'
- It has been claimed that the British dancer, 37, turned down big money deals to stay with the show for another series
- Despite agreeing to stick around, Kevin was disappointed when he finished in 14th place with presenter Anneka Rice
- Kevin announced the news that he had quit Strictly in a lengthy Instagram post on Friday afternoon
- Kevin reached the Strictly Come Dancing final five times during seven years on the BBC show, winning it once in 2018 with now- girlfriend Stacey
Strictly Come Dancing pro Kevin Clifton reportedly came close to quitting the BBC show last year, but was convinced to stay by show bosses.
It has been claimed that the British pro, 37, turned down big money deals to stay with the show for another series, only to be disappointed when he was eliminated in Week Two alongside presenter Anneka Rice, 61.
It comes after it was claimed that Kevin decided to quit Strictly after seven years on the encouragement of his girlfriend Stacey Dooley, 32, after the now-couple were crowned champions on the show in 2018.
He's off! Strictly Come Dancing pro Kevin Clifton reportedly came close to quitting the BBC show last year, but was convinced to stay by show bosses
A source told The Sun that Kevin was gutted that he stuck around on Strictly after turning down huge West End deals, which were far more than the reported £45,000 he earned as a dancer on the show.
The Grimsby-born dancer ended up finishing in just 14th place with Anneka, when the pair were only the second couple to be eliminated.
The source told the newspaper: 'Kevin was flooded with lucrative offers after he won Strictly with Stacey in 2018 and he told bosses then that he wanted to walk away.
A shame: It has been claimed that he turned down big money deals to stay with the show for another series, only to be disappointed when he was paired with presenter Anneka Rice
'His head was turned by the money. But he was talked into coming back with a lot of flattery about ''King Kev'' being the most-loved pro dancer on the show.
'He hoped to follow his and Stacey's win with more success. Instead he was paired with Anneka, who — lovely as she is — was never going to the final.'
MailOnline has contacted representatives for Kevin Clifton, Stacey Dooley, Anneka Rice and Strictly Come Dancing for comment.
It was also reported by The Mirror that Kevin quit Strictly to protect his relationship with girlfriend Stacey, but a representative for the star has denied the claims.
You can do it! It comes following reports that Stacey Dooley encouraged her boyfriend Kevin to quit the show so they can become a TV power couple
It comes following reports that Stacey encouraged her boyfriend Kevin to quit the show so they can become a TV power couple.
A source told The Sun that Kevin's decision to quit Strictly shocked show bosses given that he'd become one of its most beloved pros.
It was also claimed that Kevin told pals he could be an even bigger star after leaving the show, with Stacey also backing his decision.
The insider said: 'Kevin's decision came as a real shock to many of those involved in the show. But the fact is he just thinks he's bigger than it now — even though it's what put him where he is today.'
Big money: A source claimed the presenter hinted that she and her beau could cash in on big money projects, amid claims the pro felt he'd become 'too big' for the BBC show (pictured)
They added: 'He's told people he thinks he's now a bigger star than the celebrities on the show, and Stacey has been encouraging him to go out on his own too. She thinks they can be a bit of a TV power couple.
'Bosses were shocked that somebody who has benefited so much from the show wants to walk away. But fame and fortune has obviously turned his head.'
MailOnline has contacted representatives for Stacey Dooley, Kevin Clifton and Strictly Come Dancing for comment.
On Friday Kevin left fans devastated when he announced that he had quit Strictly after seven years on the show.
Many fans took to Twitter to share their tributes, with one quoting icon Bruce Forsyth by saying 'you were my favourite'.
Sharing a series of pictures, Kevin wrote: 'To the entire Strictly family. The past 7 years have been some of the most wonderful years of my life.
'I want to leave on a high': On Friday Kevin left fans devastated when he announced that he had quit Strictly after seven years on the show (pictured with Stacey in 2018)
'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.'
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.
Sweet: Stacey paid tribute to her boyfriend and dance partner, as she gushed that he 'will always be the King of Strictly'
Amusing: Stacey liked a tweet in which a fan used the hashtag '7 year itch', as they said: 'Well done and what an incredible 7 Years it has been!'
What a blow! Kevin's news will no doubt come as a shock to his legion of fans as he is a very popular member of the Strictly family
'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. Kevin Clifton.'
A spokesperson for Strictly Come Dancing wrote on Instagram: 'Kevin has been such a brilliant part of Strictly for the past seven years.
'From reaching the final an impressive five times, to lifting the Glitterball with Stacey Dooley in 2018, he has provided the show with some fantastic moments, through his exceptional talent as a dancer and choreographer.
'He will be hugely missed by fans and by his Strictly family. He will always be our Kevin from Grimsby.'
He said: '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.
Stacey took to Instagram to share a gushing tribute to her beau, as she shared a selfie of the two of them and wrote: '...will always be the King of Strictly. Well done darlin. Watch this space!!!!'
She then shared a video so she could speak publicly about the news, and gushed: 'I have just seen that Kev has just posted about him leaving Strictly.
'I just wanted to say publicly Kevin I'm so proud of you what you've achieved on that show is remarkable and its completely undeniable.
High praise: Stacey took to Instagram to share a gushing tribute to her beau, as she shared a selfie of the two of them and wrote: '...will always be the King of Strictly. Well done darlin'
'Without question you're the most successful pro strictly has ever had and that because you work so bloody hard and you're kind, and you're full of grace and you're so talented, and I can't wait to see what you've got next. Well done darling.'
Reiterating her statement, she also wrote a sweet comment on Kevin's post: 'I could burst with pride. Undeniably, the most successful pro on Strictly.
'Won everything, treated everyone with respect and kindness, worked SO bloody hard and now, leaving on a high. You will always be the King of Strictly.'
She also liked a tweet in which a fan used the hashtag '7 year itch', as they said: 'Well done and what an incredible 7 Years it has been!'
Lovely: Stacey also took to Instagram to pay a sweet tribute to her boyfriend Kevin following his announcement
A slew of celebrities paid tribute to the star following his announcement, as they wrote gushing messages of support and best wishes.
Former Strictly winner Ore Oduba wrote: 'Once a champ (FOUR TIMES a champ!) always a champ.. what an amazing 7 years and so much still to come!!! Couldn't be prouder Kev. Superstar'
While current judge Motsi Mabuse added: 'Good luck for your new journey!! Your presence is so unique ! You were always 100% committed! All the best and you will be definitely be missed.'
Susanna Reid, who was paired with Kevin during his first stint on the show in 2013, wrote: 'From your first, thank you - and congratulations on being such an incredible part of the show.'
Sweet: Susanna Reid, who was paired with Kevin during his first stint on the show in 2013 (pictured), wrote: 'From your first, thank you - and congratulations'
10s across the board: Kevin has had an incredible tenure on the show since he joined in 2013, and received three 40s on the show, two of which were with Kellie Bright in 2015 (pictured)
Doing great: Kevin also received top marks for his Argentine Tango with Louise Redknapp (pictured doing a Jive)
Fans took to Twitter after the star made the announcement, making their sadness known but also wishing him all the best.
While another added: 'Gobsmacked!!!! But good luck with all future endeavours. Your cheeky little face will be sadly missed!!'
One added to this sentiment, as they wrote: 'As much as I am upset to see you leave Strictly I am so excited to see what you do next! Fingers crossed for more musicals with tours to Liverpool thanks.'
One fan also said: 'Kevin, just seen the news. Devastated. To quote Sir Bruce 'you're my favourite'. Wishing you every success with your next project.'
Stacey and Kevin have been dating ever since they got together on the 2018 series of Strictly Come Dancing - which they won together.
The media personality settled into the dancer's flat after leaving the home she shared with her former partner Sam Tucknott in Brighton.
Kevin has had an incredible tenure on the show since he joined in 2013, and received three 40s on the show for his Argentine Tango with Louise, and two with Kellie Bright for their Tango and Showdance.
Finally! Kevin won the Glitterball trophy in 2018 alongside girlfriend Stacey
Final stint: Kevin placed second from season 11 in 2013 to season 14 in 2016, but had his worst placement in the 2019 series with Anneka Rice (pictured) when they placed 14th
He placed second on the show four years in a row, from season 11 in 2013 to season 14 in 2016, he came 7th in series 15 with Susan Calman, and had his worst placement in the 2019 series with Anneka Rice as he placed 14th.
Earlier this week, Kevin finished his stint in the London production of The Wedding Singer, which was staged at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre in London.
He is now set to perform against his sister Joanne in their new UK tour of Burn The Floor, which will be touring across the UK from March 26 to May 24.
On the stage: Earlier this week, Kevin finished his stint in the London production of The Wedding Singer, which was staged at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre in London
New ventures: Kevin is now set to perform against his sister Joanne in their new UK tour of Burn The Floor, which will be touring across the UK from March 26 to May 24
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