STRICTLY STACEY
I’m so lucky to have my amazing Kevin
STRICTLY champion Stacey Dooley says she is deliriously happy with “love rat” costar Kevin Clifton.
The documentary maker – who has signed a £250,000 golden handcuffs deal to become one of the faces of the BBC – caused a storm earlier this year when her professional dance partner became her real-life one.
Speaking for the first time about her new relationship, she said: “Kev and I have agreed not to go into too much detail about our private lives because you can’t really indulge that and then ask for privacy.
“That’s why we’ve turned down interviews that have offered us tens of thousands of pounds.What I am happy to say is Kev’s amazing, I’m happy, life happens, I’ve got an amazing career and I’m very lucky.”
Luton-born Stacey, 32, stormed to victory alongside Kevin in the last series of Strictly Come Dancing, winning a legion of admirers.
But her ex – personal trainer Sam Tucknott – claimed she ended their five-year relationship to be with “rat” Kevin after a “secret fling”.
In a blistering attack on the dancer, known to millions of viewers as “Kevin from Grimsby”, Sam, 30, claimed he wormed his way into Stacey’s affections during a sensational run which saw them win in December. During a ferocious video call, he accused Kevin, 36, of being a “slippery snake”.
“He didn’t say a word,” Sam recalled. “He looked petrified, so shocked.”
Kevin broke up with his 37-year-old Venezuelan wife Karen last year. Karen, who is also a Strictly pro, divorced Kevin after three years of marriage. The pair claim to have remained “the best of friends” since their split.
He was also blamed for singer Louise Redknapp’s split from former footballer Jamie, 46.
Kevin danced with Louise, 44, in 2017 and also partnered Good Morning Britain host Susanna Reid, 48, in 2013.
Months later, she announced her split from her partner of 16 years, Dominic Cotton.
Sam said he and Stacey agreed to separate after a series of rows at Christmas – but he then discovered a text from Kevin, saying “I love you”.
Stacey later put her side of the story on Twitter, saying: “Anyone with any adult life experience knows there are two sides to every story. I haven’t got the time or energy to correct some of the utter nonsense I’ve read on here.” husband