13 March 2024 , 16:38
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Stacey Dooley turned 37 last week - but there was no chance of Kevin Clifton popping the question as a birthday surprise.
The BBC documentary maker has previously admitted that tying the knot has never been a priority for her. The couple, who met during Strictly Come Dancing, where they took home the coveted Glitterball trophy in 2018, welcomed their daughter Minne last January.
But even after starting a family together, there is no sign of Stacey walking down the aisle anytime soon. Stacey explained: "It's just never been something I've dreamt about. But I couldn't have done this (motherhood) without Kev."
Stacey says marriage isn't on the cards (Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)
The smitten pair share daughter, Minnie, born in January 2023 (mirror.co.uk)Her love for her partner has changed though since having a baby. She added: "It's weird. I've always loved him, but it's a different love I have for Kev now." It's a commitment the Strictly professional has made three times already, having had three failed marriages.
Kevin reportedly first married his former Latin dance partner, Anna Melnikova, when he was just 20. He then tied the knot in 2007 with dancer Clare Craze. However six years later, they called time on their romance. Then in 2015, he tied the knot with fellow Strictly star Karen Hauer, but they parted ways three years later.
Stacey Dooley pals' savage nickname for her due to Kevin's failed marriages
Acknowledging his previous marriages, Stacey told The Sun last year: "It's well documented that Kev's done it a couple of times before," before going on to criticise the move. "I don't subscribe to the idea that you offer more stability if you're married, because we know loads of marriages end in divorce," she argued.
"But Kev – I don't want to sound too gushing or soppy, but I couldn't have done this without Kev. I couldn't have done this with anyone else." However fans were left confused when the mum-of-one was announced as the dancer's 'now wife' in a recent podcast.
Kevin appeared on Simon Mundie's podcast Life Lessons in November 2023, where the host told listeners: "We are halfway through Strictly Come Dancing season 2023. So what better time to revisit my conversation with ex-glitterball champ and strictly favourite Kevin Clifton.
"Kev is a lovely bloke and I have two clips from our chat here... The second is about his experience on Strictly, finishing second on numerous occasions before winning with his now wife Stacey Dooley." The phrase was also listed in the description of the episode online.
Despite the confusion, Stacey reiterated her stance on marriage during an episode of her show, Stacey Dooley Sleeps Over, which aired around the same time. She told viewers again: "Marriage has just never been massively important to me. And obviously, it's very well documented Kev's done it a couple of times before, so you do have to bear that in mind. Coming down the aisle, ‘Hello everyone, I know what you’re all thinking'".