Why Kevin Clifton is coming back to Strictly after quitting four years ago

Strictly Come Dancing legend Kevin Clifton is set to make a sensational return to the show this year – four years after he dramatically quit the series.

Kevin, 40, joined Strictly, which has already seen a shock ratings fall this year, in 2013 and immediately made a big impression.

In his first year, he was paired with TV personality Susanna Reid and made it all the way to the final before finishing in second place.

He then made the final again in 2014 with ex-popstar Frankie Bridge, in 2015 with soap star Kellie Bright and in 2016 with TV presenter Louise Redknapp.

However, each time he came nail-bitingly close to a win before finishing in second place.

Kevin eventually lifted the Glitterball Trophy in 2018 with his now-girlfriend, documentary presenter Stacey Dooley.

For series 17 in 2019, Kevin danced with journalist Anneka Rice, but the duo finished in a disappointing 14th place.

Fans were devastated to see Kevin leave the show behind after that, but will no doubt be over the moon to learn that he’s returning – this time in a totally different capacity.

He’s replacing resident choreography expert, and his own sister, Joanne Clifton, on Strictly spin-off It Takes Two this year.

This is because Joanne, 39, is away touring with Shrek: The Musical – so she's handed the reigns to her baby brother for the series.

Kevin will now appear on the spin-off show weekly to give advice to dancers who, with a bit of luck, will be hoping to lift the Glitterball Trophy.

Although some fans were over the moon to see one of the show’s most successful pros ever make a comeback, others slammed the decision to bring him back after his controversial exit.

One fan on X wrote, “I have to see Kevin Clifton? Ew,” while another said, “I can’t believe I have to see Love Rat Kevin again. Think I need a trigger warning.”

Kevin confirmed he was dating his former dance partner Stacey Dooley, 36, in early 2019 – but not everyone was happy with the relationship.

Stacey’s ex, 33-year-old personal trainer Sam Tucknott, accused the documentary presenter of having “an affair” with Kevin.

Sam branded Kevin a “f****ing rat” and said that he had “no respect” for the dancer, who he blames for breaking up his relationship.

Stacey claims that although she did “fall for” Kevin, it wasn’t until her relationship with Sam ended and nothing untoward happened while they were still together.

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