The Untold Story of Louise Redknapp and Kevin Clifton's 'Electric' Strictly Affair: A Journey of Love, Pain, and Heartbreak

LONG before the under-fire BBC1 show faced its biggest ever crisis with allegations of drug-taking and professional misconduct – the infamous “curse” struck two stars who did all they could to hide their top secret relationship.

Now, for the first time, we can reveal what REALLY happened between and lothario dancer Kevin Clifton – including who said ‘I love you’ and why they feared their relationship would be ‘catastrophic’ for them both.

Kevin Clifton and Louise Redknapp grew very close during their time on the show in 2016Credit: Getty – Contributor We can reveal the depth of the pair’s relationshipCredit: BBC

Kevin, 43, and Louise, 51, enjoyed a string of secret dates following her from ex-footballer husband , 52, in 2017, which was announced nine months after the pair reached the final of the dance series.

According to pals, their feelings towards each other became so strong they felt they were “destined” to become a couple and even exchanged “I love you’s”.

The fledgling romance took place away from the prying eyes of friends, family and, crucially, bosses and the duo kept their “intense” feelings under wraps amid fears its outing would have terrible ramifications.

A relationship was destined to happen – before everything fell apart.

Insider on Louise and Kevin

However, the relationship was dogged by fracturing marriages, fear of a public backlash and then ultimately the sudden arrival of ANOTHER Strictly celebrity: .

A source says: “Both Kevin and Louise knew their relationship would not reflect kindly on themselves – and potentially be catastrophic for their careers.

“Although their bond strengthened post-show and after Louise’s divorce, inevitably, there would have been murmurs suggesting something may have been going on while she was still married to Jamie, which wasn’t the case.

“Louise was desperate to avoid being at the centre of a ‘Strictly curse’ scandal, while Kevin did not want to be labelled a ‘home wrecker’ – especially as the public always held Louise and Jamie as a couple in high regard.

“Plus he was married to third wife and fellow pro while they were competing, which would have been harsh on her, too.

“But the way they were going, a relationship was destined to happen – before everything fell apart.”

Kevin and Louise’s chemistry on the dance floor helped the pair finish runners-up in the 2016 series, eventually won by and .

At the time, the former Eternal singer credited the BBC1 show for getting her mojo back, having rested her pop career to bring up her two sons while Jamie continued playing for the likes of , and before a successful move into punditry.

Following the completion of the series, Louise joined the Strictly Live Tour where co-stars, including model , assisted her in “rediscovering her youth” by going out partying and having fun.

Her split from Jamie, the father of her two sons Charley, 21, and Beau, 17, was announced in September 2017 and that’s when Clifton slowly came back on the scene, as his to Karen was also coming to an end.

Kevin is said to have spoken to Stacey about his close relationship with LouiseCredit: Rex Louise split from husband Jamie Redknapp shortly after Strictly – the show was a huge turning point for herCredit: Getty Kevin was still married to Karen when he was partnered with LouiseCredit: Getty – Contributor

Louise made a surprise visit to Grimsby , Kevin’s home town, on December 18 the following year – two days after the Strictly final when he picked up the Glitterball with partner Stacey Dooley.

The Naked singer was described as being “very much a part of the family”, and very “touchy-feely” with Kevin, by onlookers at the Humber Royal Hotel ahead of the annual Cliftons Dance Academy black tie do.

The recently-single star even , Keith and Judy, before the foursome enjoyed a private dinner away from the cameras.

‘SECRET SNOGS AND INTIMATE MOMENTS’

Another source close to the Strictly dancer also claimed the pair even “snogged” four days later at a separate gig as they began to get even closer.

Officially, according to their respective teams, this did not happen.

Whatever the truth, there is no denying their bond, strengthened, of course, by hours of intimate training and time spent together.

According to insiders, Kevin would often talk about his connection with Louise while he was rehearsing with Stacey, 38, months later while they competed in the 2018 series.

The insider said: “Stacey used to chat about Kevin and Louise, and their relationship.

“He would even ask Stacey for relationship advice.

“He also once admitted to telling Louise he loved her.”

Kevin even invited Louise to his home town Grimsby to meet his parents, pictured, just days AFTER his win with 2018 partner Stacey DooleyCredit: Rick Byrne / Grimsbylive Kevin and Stacey get to grips as their close friendship blossomed in 2018 The pair went on to win the competition – but the relationship was the beginning of the end for Kevin and LouiseCredit: BBC Kevin and Stacey are still together and share a childCredit: Paul Edwards Hurt Louise has since cut all ties with Kevin – and doesn’t even follow him on social mediaCredit: PA

But it was Kevin’s blossoming connection with Stacey which eventually put paid to his relationship with Louise.

Indeed, after the singer heard whispers Kevin and his new partner were growing close away from the dance floor, she felt “really hurt and embarrassed” – which sparked her decision to back away.

A friend of Louise said: “She and Kevin grew extremely close after her split from Jamie, and she really helped him with his career, and was a rock for him when he was struggling post-split with Karen.

Kevin didn’t tell her he’d fallen for Stacey.

“She even introduced him to her manager, Wayne, who took him on in a work capacity, and helped bolster his profile.

“They were in regular touch right through the end of 2018 when Kevin was partnering Stacey on the series. That was the turning point. Suddenly things fizzled out once he became smitten with Stacey.

“Kevin didn’t tell her he’d fallen for Stacey – basically the first she knew of it was when she heard the rumours around March 2019.

“Louise feels quite upset about it all, and just wanted to move on and focus on her work.”

Stacey split from her boyfriend of three years Sam Tucknott, who , just months after winning Strictly.

The documentary-maker insisted she and Kevin waited until well after the show ended before getting together, saying: “I didn’t want to be such a cliché — it’s so cringe and cheesy. I want to be cooler than this. Kev and I were pals for such a long time.”

Meanwhile, and does not even follow him on Instagram.

Asked shortly after Kevin and Stacey made their relationship public in April 2019 if she’s still in communication with the dancer, Louise said: “I haven’t spoken to him for a long time. Most probably since the show started. Not since last year.”

Louise has since found love with businessman , 41, who she’s been for two years, while Kevin and Stacey welcomed their first child, a daughter called Minnie, in January 2023.

The Strictly lothario’s winning series with Stacey proved to be his penultimate season on the BBC1 show, after he quit to focus on a career in theatreland, bagging roles in Rock of Ages and Priscilla Queen of the Desert.

His previous partners included presenter , The Saturdays’ singer and veteran broadcaster .

Louise with her current boyfriend Drew MichaelCredit: Splash Louise was said to be upset and embarrassed about what went onCredit: Instagram