Kevin Clifton Biography: Kevin James Clifton born 13 October 1982 is an English professional dancer and actor, best known for his time on the BBC television show Strictly Come Dancing. Prior to becoming a professional dancer on the show, he worked as an assistant choreographer.
Kevin Clifton Biography
Kevin Clifton is recognized for his roles in Everybody’s Talking About Jamie (2021), Father Brown (2013), and the music video Jessie Ware: Save a Kiss (2020). He proposed to fellow dancer Karen Hauer on stage at London’s Shaftesbury Theatre on April 20, 2013. The two later announced their separation on March 15, 2018. He is also the brother of professional dancer Joanne Clifton.
Kevin Clifton Biography 2025 Details
| Born |
Kevin James Clifton
13 October 1982 Waltham, Grimsby, England
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|---|---|
| Education | Caistor Grammar School |
| Occupations |
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| Known for | Strictly Come Dancing (2013–2019) |
| Spouses |
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| Partner | Stacey Dooley (2019–present) |
| Children | 1 |
| Family | Joanne Clifton (sister) |
| Category | Singers Bio |
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About Kevin Clifton
Kevin James Clifton is an English professional dancer and actor, who was a professional dancer on the BBC TV series Strictly Come Dancing, having previously worked as an assistant choreographer. He has also featured on Burn the Floor. He was given the nickname “Kevin from Grimsby” by Bruce Forsyth.
Kevin Clifton Achievements
He also performed in the international dance production Burn the Floor and was famously nicknamed “Kevin from Grimsby” by host Bruce Forsyth. Clifton was a regular on Strictly Come Dancing from 2013 to 2019, reaching the final in all but two series. He won the sixteenth series alongside journalist and TV presenter Stacey Dooley, with whom he began a relationship in 2019. In March 2020, he announced his departure from the show to focus on other career opportunities.
Kevin Clifton Wiki
- Born: 13 October 1982 (age 42 years), Waltham, United Kingdom
- Spouse: Karen Hauer (m. 2015–2018), Clare Craze (m. 2007–2013)
- Partner: Stacey Dooley (2019–)
- Parents: Judy Clifton, Keith Clifton
- Children: 1
- Siblings: Joanne Clifton
Early Life
Clifton began dancing ballroom and Latin styles at a young age in his hometown of Waltham, near Grimsby. He was trained by his parents, Keith and Judy Clifton, both former World Champions. In his early competitive years, he danced with his sister Joanne Clifton at both national and international levels. When they decided to pursue separate dance careers, Kevin chose to specialize in Latin to avoid direct competition with her. He went on to achieve the title of Youth World Number 1 in Latin dance.
Dance Career
Kevin Clifton is a four-time British Latin Champion and has claimed 14 International Open titles across various countries, including Italy, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Sweden, Japan, France, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Slovenia, Slovakia, Finland, and Belgium. By the time he retired from competitive dancing in 2007, he was ranked 7th in the world.
From January 2008 to June 2013, Clifton and his future wife Karen Hauer were principal dancers with the Burn the Floor dance company. They performed during the show’s record-breaking run on Broadway and later headlined its production at the Shaftesbury Theatre in London’s West End. In spring 2014, they briefly rejoined Burn the Floor for a tour of Australia and Japan. kevin and Karen Clifton announced they would be returning to theatres across the UK with their second national tour, Kevin and Karen Dance, following the success of their first tour earlier that year.
Kevin Clifton Net Worth 2025
Kevin Clifton’s exact salary has not been publicly confirmed, but it’s reported that professional dancers on Strictly Come Dancing earn around £50,000 per year. This salary is believed to be standard across all professionals on the show, regardless of experience or time spent on the series. In comparison, Strictly judges are said to earn significantly more—ranging from £150,000 to £250,000 annually. Former Strictly pro Brendan Cole once told Now Magazine that the salary from the show was modest, saying, “My money from Strictly just about pays the bills. I don’t have a car. I would like to get one, but until then I’m on the Tube.”
FAQs
What titles has Kevin Clifton won in his dance career?
Kevin Clifton is a four-time British Latin Champion and has won 14 International Open titles in countries including Italy, Germany, Japan, and France, among others.
When did Kevin Clifton retire from competitive dancing?
Kevin Clifton retired from competitive dancing in 2007, at which point he was ranked 7th in the world in Latin dance.
What is Burn the Floor and how was Kevin Clifton involved?
Burn the Floor is a global ballroom dance production. Kevin Clifton and Karen Hauer were principal dancers from 2008 to 2013, performing on Broadway and in London’s West End, and later toured with the show in Australia and Japan.
Did Kevin and Karen Clifton tour together?
Yes, Kevin and Karen Clifton toured together with their stage show Kevin and Karen Dance across the UK in 2017 and 2018.
Was Kevin Clifton ever ranked globally in dance?
Yes, at the time of his retirement from competitive dancing in 2007, Kevin Clifton was ranked 7th in the world in Latin dance.
Where did Kevin Clifton perform on stage outside of Strictly Come Dancing?
Outside of Strictly, Kevin Clifton performed in major stage productions including Burn the Floor on Broadway and in the West End, as well as in national theatre tours across the UK.