Strictly Come Dancing professional Kevin Clifton has shared a moving and heartfelt tribute following the death of his close friend, television producer Jonathan Clough, at the age of 37.
A Devastating Diagnosis and a Public Appeal
Jonathan Clough, a respected producer whose work included hit shows like Strictly Come Dancing, The Apprentice, and Gogglebox, had been living with an incurable brain tumour. He received the devastating diagnosis of a Grade 4 Glioblastoma in 2024. A fundraising appeal was subsequently launched to help the father-of-two access specialist treatment.
On Saturday, Kevin Clifton, 43, took to Instagram to honour his late friend. He posted a nostalgic selfie of the pair at the British Grand Prix, both wearing matching McLaren bucket hats, alongside a poignant message.
"An amazing friend, an amazing man, an amazing father and a heck of a fighter for his amazing family," Kevin wrote. "I will miss you forever." He added that Jonathan had put up a "heck of a fight" during his illness.
Messages of Support and Personal Milestones
The former Strictly star was quickly inundated with messages of condolence from fans and friends. Among the first to respond was his girlfriend, documentary maker Stacey Dooley, who commented with a simple heart emoji.
Kevin and Stacey first met in 2018 when they were partnered on Strictly Come Dancing, famously going on to win the Glitterball Trophy. Their relationship has continued since, and they welcomed their daughter, Minnie, in January 2023. Kevin departed the BBC show in 2020 after seven years and has since performed in stage productions like Chicago and Everybody's Talking About Jamie.
Strictly's Changing Landscape
The news of Jonathan Clough's passing emerges amidst a period of significant change for the Strictly Come Dancing programme. Last year, long-serving presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced their departure, leaving the coveted hosting roles vacant.
Head judge Shirley Ballas recently revealed at the Wimbledon BookFest that her mother is championing Rylan Clark to replace the duo. "If my mother had her way, it would be Rylan Clark who replaces them," she said. Other reported frontrunners include Zoe Ball, Holly Willoughby, and even the pairing of Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton themselves.
Shirley Ballas, who joined the judging panel in 2017, also reflected on the inevitable evolution of the show. She confirmed she too would one day leave, stating, "one day I'll be ready to move on, and that will be my choice." She praised Daly and Winkleman as "great anchors" but expressed confidence that Strictly would continue to thrive for its audience. "Strictly is for the public," she affirmed.
