Strictly Come Dancing pros Kevin and Karen Clifton have announced they have split.
The married pair have confirmed press speculation that they are no longer together.
Kevin revealed the news on Chris Evans’ BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show today, insisting they were still “the best of friends”.
And despite that personal split, they’ve said they will continue their professional dance relationship.
“We’ve always felt the best thing is to be honest with everyone and upfront and respectful to our fans,” Kevin said. “So we just wanted to do this now and let everyone know that actually, privately we’re not together any more.
“But professionally, we’re stronger than ever.”
Kevin added: “Dance is how we came together and is the glue that’s held us together for years now…. We’ve got a lot of love and respect for each other – I still pretty much see Karen every day.”
With the pair due to head out on tour later this year, Karen added: “We’ve such great chemistry… we love dancing together so much.
“We’re feeling very positive and we’re feeling this is going to be one of the best tours.”
Earlier this year there was speculation over whether or not the pair would return to Strictly in 2018.
However has The Sun claimed that both will be invited back, following Brendan Cole’s surprise departure in January.
“Bosses are aware tensions between Kevin and Karen will be high so considered bringing one of them back to make things easier,” a source explained. “However, after they decided not to bring back Brendan Cole, they didn’t want to risk any further backlash by getting rid of another established pro.
“Kevin and Karen will be professional on the show but it’s unlikely you’ll spot them happily standing next to each other on camera.”
A spokesperson for the BBC said: “Strictly Come Dancing returns later in the year and the pro line- up will be revealed in due course.”
