Ballroom dancing has given Kevin Clifton fame, fortune and even family thanks to his romance with Strictly Come Dancing partner Stacey Dooley – the couple’s baby girl Minnie was born in January this year.
But there was a time when Kevin rebelled against the strict nature of ballroom and posed as a “bad boy”, even dressing as a goth as he searched to find himself beyond the sequins.
So when he was offered the opportunity to take part in Who Do You Think You Are?, Kevin jumped at the chance to learn more about his identity and find a legacy he could one day share with his daughter.
“I’ve been interested in identity for a while,” explains Kevin, 40. “My mum and dad were dancers, me and my sister became dancers and that was our identity. We’re a dancing family, we go to competitions, we behave and dress in a certain way, you’re in front of an audience and judges… At some point I just rebelled against all of it.”
Kevin grew his hair, wore leather trousers and painted his fingernails black. “I was like, ‘You better get used to my leather trousers!’” he laughs. “It was just me trying to be something different. It was like this other identity.”
When Strictly came calling in 2013 he embraced his showbiz persona, but during the Covid pandemic and lockdown he relaxed long enough to realise all he wanted was a cup of tea, football on the telly and a family with partner Stacey Dooley.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Savoury saviours
Get ahead with simple spicy suppers from Nadiya Hussain
RECIPES FOR SUCCESS - I want to share the way I cook and the way I eat'
Chef Nadiya Hussain on the money-saving cooking tips and vital life skills that she teaches her children.
THE WILD ONE - Nobody tried to change me that was who I am
Rock star Suzi Quatro on leading the way for women, being true to herself and her 60th anniversary tour
CELEBRITIES PUT ON THE GLITZ FOR TV'S BIGGEST NIGHT
Famous faces gathered at the National Television Awards last week to celebrate the best of Britain's TV talent
IN THE PINK - I feel like myself again now I'm back in the Strictly family'
After documenting her brutal cancer journey, Strictly favourite Amy Dowden shares her joy at returning to the dance floor
STYLE COUNSEL - My friendships are one of my greatest successes'
As stylist Gok Wan celebrates his milestone birthday, he reflects on his personal losses, biggest achievements and plans for the future
STEP BACK IN TIME - STARS ENJOY A DAY AT THE RACES
A host of celebrities attended the Goodwood Revival festival last week to see the classic cars and fabulous retro fashions
GOOD CLEAN FUN - 'I really like to organise things I find it therapeutic'
Sort Your Life Out presenter Stacey Solomon on how tidying up helps her shut out anxious thoughts, the reason she only shares happy memories on social media, and why it's husband Joe Swash who puts out the bins
SHINING BRIGHT - KATE'S MESSAGE OF HOPE
Her emotional health update video made it clear that the Princess of Wales' family comes first, says former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond.
My family will always be my main priority'
Model and actress Caprice invites OK! into her stylish home to talk about fame and why nothing beats being with her kids.
