Kevin Clifton has given fans an update on a significant ‘first’ with Stacey Dooley, seven years after their victory on Strictly Come Dancing. The loved-up pair have enjoyed a blissful life together since they partnered – and triumphed – on the popular BBC One dance programme in 2018. And now they are starting an exciting project together.
Documentary presenter Stacey and professional dancer Kevin developed feelings for each other on the dance floor. After clinching the Glitterball trophy, they made their relationship public, which has since seen them welcome their daughter, Minnie. Now, they’re preparing to collaborate professionally for the first time since their Strictly win.
They revealed in March that they’ll be sharing the stage in the critically acclaimed supernatural thriller, 2:22 – A Ghost Story.
The play is embarking on another extensive tour across the UK, kicking off at Manchester Opera House on 4 August 2025, and running until November 2025. A second leg of the tour is scheduled from 8 January – 20 June 2026, with casting details yet to be announced.
Stacey will reprise her role as Jenny, following a limited stint at the Gielgud Theatre in 2024, performing alongside Kevin who will portray Jenny’s husband, Sam.
With the tour set to commence in Manchester in just a few weeks, Kevin and Stacey have been spotted heading into rehearsals.
Kevin Clifton took to Instagram with an endearing snapshot alongside Stacey Dooley to announce their renewed collaboration: “Day 1 back working with this little fella again. Last time was 7 years ago @sjdooley @222aghoststory.”
Their followers instantly expressed enthusiasm about the pairing. Another exclaimed: “Can’t wait to watch you both in it, coming to Manchester next month.” Another shared similar sentiments, commenting: “Can’t wait to see you both in it.”
One other fan indicated their eagerness, saying: “Coming to see you in Bristol and am more than excited!” Another supporter is eagerly anticipating the show in August, adding: “Looking forward to seeing you in August in Manchester.”
This buzz comes as Kevin reveals insights into their dynamic when working together. Although Stacey, aged 38, has mastered the skill of leaving her work on stage, Kevin, now 42, immerses himself deeply into his roles, which presents a humorous possibility of him bringing his character Sam home, jokingly hinting at potential strains on their relationship.
On the All That Chat podcast’s latest instalment, Kevin conveyed: “We’re not a very argumentative couple – touch wood – we don’t argue a lot.
“I’m sure it’ll be fine. But also, Stace and me are very different in that Stace can very much go do her job, do it great, and then leave it at the door and come home.
“Whereas I’m a bit obsessive and I have to live and breathe the character. I’ll probably bring the character home, which might get interesting. It could be the ending of us.”
Kevin has voiced some concerns about performing alongside his partner Stacey on stage, detailing the unique challenge
He said: “When it’s your partner in front of you who knows everything about you and all your insecurities and then you start playing this character in front of them…it’s going to be weird. I’m going to have to get over doing it in front of Stace, and she’s going to have to get over doing it in front of me.”