Some fans of Strictly Come Dancing have accused the BBC of having a “vendetta” against Kevin Clifton.
The Lincolnshire-born pro, 37, won’t be appearing in the dance competition’s live tour when it hits the road in 2020.
And he saw his earliest ever elimination from Strictly this year, as he was booted from the show in week three with his celeb partner, presenter and former Treasure Hunt star Anneka Rice.
Read more: Strictly: Kevin Clifton responds to claims he’s ‘furious’ about Anneka Rice pairing
It’s not unusual that Kevin isn’t joining the tour, as a number of other favourites are likewise giving it a miss, including AJ Pritchard, Aljaž Škorjanec and Anton Du Beke, among others.
But some fans are certain the BBC is harbouring a grudge against Kevin.
Does somebody want him to get his ‘comeuppance’?
One asked on Twitter, shortly after Kevin and Anneka became the second couple eliminated from the competition: “Is there a vendetta at the BBC against Kevin Clifton? Does somebody want him to get his ‘comeuppance’? It certainly seems that way.”
Another angry viewer tweeted at the time: “What a shame your pretentious execs chose to saddle Kevin Clifton with a no-hoper this season on Strictly.
“It would have been wonderful for Kevin, and for the show, if a 2-for-2 came about. Disappointed.”
Similar rumours surfaced at the beginning of this year’s series, when it was revealed who the celebrities would have as their dancing partners.
In the comments on a post shared via the official Strictly Instagram account that featured Kevin and Anneka, some fans wondered if there was something going on behind the scenes.
One wrote, “Ever get the impression the Strictly team are trying to tell Kevin something?” while someone else commented, “Set up to fail”.
ED! has contacted the BBC for comment.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B2HxglpFDxe/
Kevin is one of the show’s most successful pros. Having joined Strictly in 2013 for series 11, he has gone on to dance in the final on numerous occasions, including with GMB host Susanna Reid, in his first year, and again with EastEnders actress Kellie Bright in 2015.
In 2018, he won with presenter Stacey Dooley, who is now his girlfriend.
PIC
Read more: Strictly fans divided over Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton’s sizzling reunion
After Kevin and Anneka left this year’s series, Stacey sent a message of support to the pair and said she was “so proud” of their efforts.
Taking time out from filming BBC make-up series, Glow Up, she said on her Instagram Stories: “I know that everyone just found out that Kev and Anneka got knocked out this weekend. And I just wanted to say that I am so proud of both of them, but particular Kevin.
“I just think he’s the most incredible teacher, and I think she was so lucky to have had him.”
Speaking further, the documentary maker said: “It’s very easy to be proud of someone when they’re winning and when they’re flying high, but it’s also very important to tell them that you think they’re wicked when they’re the second to get knocked out.”
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