01 May 2023 , 21:47
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Strictly Come Dancing star Kevin Clifton has shared a sweet post about how his life has turned around in the last five years.
Kevin, 40, who welcomed his first child, Minnie, with partner Stacey Dooley in January this year, said he was "celebrating the most wonderful past 5 years."
Stacey and Kevin met in 2018 when they danced together on Strictly, going on to win the competition with their incredible moves, Kevin thanking the documentary maker for helping him "fall in love with dancing again."
In a candid Instagram post, Kevin, who left Strictly in 2020, wrote: "Don’t like to talk about it too much in public but a few years ago i wasn’t always doin as well as I always tried to make out.
Kevin shared a photo of himself looking bedraggledK (Instagram/keviclifton)
He then shared an inspirational message (Instagram/keviclifton)"Today I’m celebrating the most wonderful past 5 yrs."
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Kevin shared a series of photos from the last five years, the first one showing him looking bedraggled and unfocussed, followed by a piece of paper which read: "Just remember five years ago, you dreamed about where are you now."
He then shared a photo of himself and Stacey staring adoringly at their daughter as Kevin held the tot in his arms. Other photos showed Kevin strutting his stuff on stage and lifting the glitterball trophy with Stacey.
Journalist Stacey commented on the honest post: "My angel. We love you endlessly."
Kevin Clifton welcomed his first baby in January (Instagram)
Journalist Stacey Dooley gave birth earlier this year (Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)The dancer replied: "Love you and Mins."
Strictly head judge Shirley Ballas wrote: "Proud of you @kevinclifton."
Sister and former co-star Joanne Clifton simply commented: "Proud of you."
Other Strictly performers Kelvin Fletcher and Johannes Radebe also rushed to give their support.
Meanwhile, a fan and follower wrote: "You are amazing and always give everything to whatever you put your mind & soul to...lots love xxxxxx"
Another wrote: "Even being able to admit it and share is very brave and important!"
Stacey has previously described Kevin as "an angel" and "the kindest man I've ever met."
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Kevin said a few years ago he wasn't doing as well as he made out (Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
But he spoke of his "wonderful" last five years (PA)In January 2023 the pair became parents when Stacey gave birth to a daughter, revealing her adorable name was Minnie.
She later gushed over Kevin in a post for Valentine's Day, describing him and Minnie as the "loves of [her] life". She added: "I dunno what I did to get so lucky."
In March, Kevin shared a photo of Stacey with Minnie, to mark the new mum's 36th birthday.
Stylish Stacey dressed down in a pair of blue jeans and caramel hoodie, which she teamed with trainers and an orange crossbody bag.
Minnie is seen nestling into Stacey’s neck for a cuddle as she holds her over her shoulder.
In the caption, Kevin wrote: "Happy birthday my girl @sjdooley. The most wonderful and beautiful girl in the world.
“Enjoy today, u deserve everything. Love u so much Kev and Minnie.”