Leaving Strictly

This week has seen Kevin make the formal announcement that after seven glorious years, he is to leave Strictly Come Dancing, the show that made him a household name.

It’s been a difficult decision to leave, especially as Kevin’s experience on the show has been so formative, so epic, and has allowed him to take his career in a wonderfully unexpected direction. With change comes sadness, happiness, but also reflection.

In this especially candid episode, Kevin talks about his Strictly journey from start to finish, the real reasons that made him realise that now was the time to leave, his fondest recollections of his time on the show, how he earned his infamous nickname, and what comes next...

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• One of the things Kevin is looking forward to, now that he’s not on Strictly, is reflecting on his time there, and enjoying more of the year’s offerings at the time. Being a viewer of the show will be a wonderful experience again.
• When the idea of Strictly was first announced, Kevin and his fellow professionals were sceptical. Their fears were put to rest, however, when they saw the quality of the show that was being produced, and the level of talent it was attracting in the dance world.
• Kevin’s initial approach to Strictly was a failure. He puts this down to his image at the time, which he feels was a little too “out there” for the producers.
• Never be too proud to take on work. Just because it isn’t the job you wanted at the outset, doesn’t mean you won’t get there. Act with grace at all times, because by being present and professional in front of the right people, you’ll increase your chances of getting there.
• You can’t always say what you want to say in front of the press, because a lot of the time, they have their own agenda when it comes to you. They will re-phrase and misquote your words in order to fit that agenda. You need to be very careful.
• After several years of coming runner-up, Kevin’s first victory was with Stacey Dooley in 2018, a victory made all the more special by the fact that early in the series, they had been close to elimination. But Stacey’s perseverance and Kevin’s creativity saw to it that their comeback trail was spellbinding.
• After winning the “Grand Slam 5” set of Strictly Glitterballs, Kevin realised that he had achieved everything he could achieve on the show. This, coupled with a desire to try his hand at other aspirations, led to the realisation that maybe his time on the show had come to an end.
• The tabloids seem to have seized on Kevin’s departure, and used it to sensationalise their own agenda. The truth of the matter is that the departure was harmonious, and the decision was reached with the full cooperation of the Strictly team.
• Kevin’s next opportunity has come through being cast in the lead of the West End version of hit movie, ’Strictly Ballroom’. The role has always been Kevin’s dream gig, and so when the opportunity came, he grabbed it with both hands.
• The story of Scott Hastings in Strictly Ballroom directly mirrors Kevin’s own journey in dance, even down to the fact that the character’s parents are pro-dancers.
• Accountability is so important, especially for a performer. We need to get our egos out of the way. Don’t assume you’re everyone’s ideal. Look for how you can improve, and take the win next time.

BEST MOMENTS

’There was a bit of snobbery about it’

‘I’ve always been full of ideas about things I’d like to do’

‘All ballroom dancers sort of know each other from somewhere’

‘Be in front of the right people’

‘It’s the premier league of trophies. It’s the big one’

‘It just shows you what a massive part of my life this thing has been’

‘My mate played the part of the washing line!’

VALUABLE RESOURCES

The Kevin Clifton Show -https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-kevin-clifton-show/id1475650764

ABOUT THE HOST

Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.

CONTACT METHOD

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