Kevin Clifton admits it’s been ‘difficult’ watching Strictly Come Dancing after he quit the show

Kevin Clifton has admitted finding it ‘difficult’ watching Strictly Come Dancing this year after he quit the show to pursue a career in musical theatre.

The ballroom dancer, 38, who has seen his career aspirations outside of Strictly stall due to the COVID-19 pandemic, was due to star in a touring production of Strictly Ballroom as well as head to Australia to dance in Burn The Floor.  

He told the Huffington Post: ‘Obviously it was difficult when all the theatre went away this year and I’m sat at home watching [Strictly Come Dancing].

‘But I still feel it was the right time. But fingers crossed that 2021 is going to be a version of what 2020 was supposed to be – for everyone in the world!’

He added: ‘Strictly Ballroom was sort of the catalyst, but to be honest, I’d been talking to [Strictly Come Dancing] about leaving for about a year’ with the star saying he had done ‘everything’ he could possibly do on the show.

The interview comes amid claims Kevin is in talks with Strictly Come Dancing bosses over a possible return to the show. 

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, the theatre and arts industry have suffered a massive blow and as a result, his earnings have taken a serious hit – leaving Kevin open to the idea of a comeback, it’s been reported.  

He has apparently spoken to producers about the idea of setting foot back on the dancefloor, with the star having left the show on great terms with everyone.

A source told The Sun: ‘Kevin’s had conversations with the BBC and said he’d consider returning to the show in the future. He absolutely loves Strictly and is still a massive fan of the show.  

‘There was no bad blood between anyone when it came to Kevin’s departure and he’d be welcomed back with open arms if he wanted to return.

‘Strictly was a massive part of Kevin’s life and it’s been great for him to know the door has been left open.’  

MailOnline have contacted representatives of Kevin and Strictly Come Dancing for comment. 

Kevin was all set to star as the lead in Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood’s new production Strictly Ballroom when the virus struck.  

The production, much like many in the industry, has been postponed until 2021. 

He was also set to head down under to begin the 2020 Australian tour of Burn The Floor, but that has also been pushed back till next year.   

Just last month, the former Strictly champion spoke of his regret over quitting the show now all his theatre work is on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

Speaking on his podcast, he said: ‘Who knows if I’ll go back to Strictly, never say never. 

‘I think if I’ve learned anything it’s you never close the door.

‘You just don’t know how things are going to go.  

‘I thought I was going to be on stage all year and all of a sudden that’s not happening any more.’ 

Kevin last lifted the glitterball trophy in 2018 alongside now girlfriend Stacey Dooley, after making it into the grand final four times.

In the 2019 series, he partnered up with Anneka Rice, but they were eliminated from the competition in week two.  

His last appearance on the show was during the December 2019 Christmas special alongside Debbie McGee.  

The ballroom pro managed to leave the much-loved show on a high as the dancing duo were crowned winners of the annual special. 

Kevin previously admitted he considered returning to the show after quitting.

He revealed he came close to making a surprise U-turn and returning to the professional lineup, but ‘didn’t want to look like an idiot.’ 

In September, Kevin told The Sun: ‘There were a couple of conversations about it, like, is it worth talking about it?

‘But then I thought, I’ve just made this big announcement. I don’t want to look like an idiot.

‘We’re having a constant conversation, and at the moment I feel I’ve pretty much done everything there is to do on the show.’