STRICTLY favourites Kevin and Karen Clifton told how they kept the show on the road despite their love split.
The husband and wife professional dancers were the focus of speculation following claims Karen was involved with someone else and Kevin admitting he wasn’t the easiest to live with during the show.
The duo confirmed in March that they had split after three years of marriage, but said their major UK tour would continue.
And speaking ahead of Scots dates this week, they told The Sunday Post that their dancing would go on despite their personal heartbreak.
“We’ve always been used to touring together regardless of our relationship status,” said Karen, 36.
“So, yes, things are different, but not when we are on stage. We are still very passionate about what we do and we enjoy being on stage together and I don’t think that will ever change.
“Ours isn’t like any other relationship. People might think that just because something hasn’t worked out in your private life, everything has to disintegrate. But we’ve always enjoyed each other’s company.”
And Kevin, 35, says the support of friends and family during the past few tough months has helped.
“We’ve had loads of support and everyone rallied round because it could have been a very difficult situation,” he says.
“But I think we’re unique in that we just wanted to be quite calm about the whole thing. Most people don’t work together and they’re not in this business.
“We just wanted to keep performing as we always have.”
Kevin and Karen Dance is at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall on Saturday and the Royal Concert Hall in Glasgow next Sunday.
Grimsby-born Kevin was paired with Scots comic Susan Calman on Strictly last year and they made a pledge to get matching birthplace tattoos.
Susan revealed last month that she had got “I love Grimsby” tattooed on her foot. “I am definitely getting an ‘I love Glasgow’ tattoo,” confirmed Kevin.
“I just haven’t decided where. I fell in love with Glasgow.”
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