Kevin Clifton latest: Susanna Reid tells Strictly Come Dancing winner to 'never forget his first'

Reid was partnered with Clifton on the 2013 series of the BBC ballroom show
Number one: Susanna Reid with Kevin Clifton
Rui Vieira/PA
Emma Powell17 December 2018
The Weekender

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Susanna Reid joked you “never forget your first” after getting a shout out from Kevin Clifton after his Strictly Come Dancing victory with Stacey Dooley.

The duo lifted the coveted glitterball trophy during Saturday night’s final after beating Ashley Roberts, Faye Tozer and Joe Sugg to the win.

It marked Clifton’s fifth Strictly final, but his first victory. The professional dancer credited Reid for his success after he was paired with her during his first ever stint on the show in 2013.

Speaking via video message on Monday’s Good Morning Britain, Clifton said: “I want to thank everyone for all their votes and support. Susanna you were my first partner so I have a lot to thank you for.

Champs: Strictly Come Dancing 2018 winners Kevin Clifton and Stacey Dooley
PA

“I was a nervous little kid the first time on the show and you were really amazing with me and you worked really hard, so thank you Susanna for being my first partner and starting off the whole journey.”

Reid, who finished runner up to Abbey Clancy, said: “Couldn’t have done it without me he’s trying to say. I would say ‘never forget your first Kevin’.”

Paying tribute: Susanna Reid and Kevin Clifton on Strictly Come Dancing in 2013
Rui Vieira/PA

Unable to resist taking a swipe, Piers Morgan added: “Couldn’t have lost without you and finally he’s got glory. He just needed to find the right dancer who could drive him to gold medal not silver.”

Saturday night’s final was watched by an average of 11.7 million, attracting a peak of 12.7 million.

Clifton previously reached the final with Frankie Bridge in 2014, Kellie Bright in 2015 and Louise Redknapp in 2016.

His estranged wife, and fellow Strictly professional, Karen Clifton praised his win in a touching tribute on Instagram.

She shared a picture of Kevin and Dooley clutching the glitterball trophy alongside the words “So proud and extremely happy for you guys. Kev – 5x finalist and you finally did it!! Your hard work, patience and pure brilliance paid off. So proud of you x.”

She continued: “Stacey- you are what Strictly is about girl!! My hero x Love you both...”

Strictly Come Dancing 2018 - In Pictures

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