Kevin Clifton smiling in an interview
TV

Strictly Come Dancing fans are desperate for Kevin Clifton to return – to the judging panel!

He won the show with Stacey Dooley in 2018

Strictly Come Dancing favourite Kevin Clifton won the hearts of viewers after scooping the glitterball trophy with Stacey Dooley in 2018.

Now the 40-year-old dancer, who shares a baby with girlfriend Stacey, has been backed in a Betfair Casino poll to return to the show – in a judging role!

Kevin Clifton on Loose women
Could Kevin Clifton make a return to Strictly Come Dancing? (Credit: ITV)

Strictly fans are desperate for Kevin to return

Fans of the show were asked: “Who would you like to see as a new judge on Strictly Come Dancing?” In good news for the current panel of Anton Du Beke, Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel Horwood and Shirley Ballas, the majority (27%) are happy for things to stay as they are.

However, of the people who do want things to change, Kevin’s name came out on top as 14% of voters wanted him to take up a seat on the judging panel. Not only that but girlfriend Stacey doesn’t trail too far behind, with 12% of people polled wanting to see her on the judging panel.

Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice also got a mention – with 11% and 10% of the vote respectively. Janette Manrara also nabbed 10% of the votes. Her husband Aljaz Skorjanec was next up, in seventh place, with 9% of the vote.

Strictly veteran Pasha Kovalev took eighth place with 8% of the votes. Current pro Katya Jones was also on 8%. Meanwhile, 7% of respondents want to see Gorka Marquez join the judging panel.

Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton
Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton ended up winning the series in 2018 (Credit: YouTube)

Kevin’s heading to panto

However, Strictly fans might be disappointed as it seems Kevin is heading in a different direction following his ballroom exit. This Christmas, he’ll be heading to the theatre to star as Abanazar in Aladdin in panto.

He said: “I’m absolutely over the moon. This will be my first-ever pantomime, and I’m so excited that I get to play the baddie! It’ll be totally different from anything I’ve done before, and I can’t wait to revel in all the boos and hisses.”

Read more: Deaths; scandals; secret feuds: Forget Strictly, we need to talk about the This Morning curse

Strictly returns next Saturday (September 30) on BBC One at 6.20pm.

Strictly Ballroom’s Kevin Clifton & Faye Brooks Talk All Things New Tour! | Loose Women

So what do you think of this story? You can leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know.