Strictly: Rylan's voice breaks at the end of It Takes Two

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Strictly Come Dancing wouldn’t be the same without its family of professional dancers who come from across the globe to perform on the show. Every year, the same faces return so BBC fans have been able to get to know them and cheer on their favourite performers. Strictly dancer Joanne Clifton was part of the cast for two years and unlike many during their time, was able to lift the Glitterball Trophy.

Is Strictly’s It Takes Two host Joanne Clifton related to Kevin Clifton?

Professional dancer Joanne Clifton is a 2014 Ballroom Showdance World Champion, a five-time British Champion, a three-time Italian Champion and the Professional World Dancesport Games Champion of 2013.

She shot to mainstream fame when she joined the cast of Strictly Come Dancing but was already known as dancer Kevin Clifton’s little sister.

They grew up together in the small North East Lincolnshire village of Waltham with their parents Judy and Keith Clifton.

Joanne and Kevin used to dance together as children but went their separate ways as they pursued contrasting styles.

Kevin remained on the show for seven years, winning in 2018 with his now-girlfriend presenter Stacey Dooley.

His sister Joanne was only on Strictly for two years, leaving on a high following her win with actor Ore Oduba in season 14.

Kevin went on to star in the production of Rock of Ages as Stacee Jaxx, a career move inspired by his sister.

She explained in a previous interview: “Kevin said he got his inspiration from me to go into musicals.”

Joanne continued: “He always thought he would be a dancer and stuff, choreographing, then he said he saw the path that I took when I left Strictly and saw how happy I was on the stage and said he wants to feel that happiness.

“He saw how happy I was and was like, ‘Oh I want to be that happy too!'”

Joanne has since left her career in musical theatre to return to the world of Strictly.

This time, it is in the position of a host on Strictly Come Dancing’s spin-off It Takes Two.

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In recent years, the show’s Choreography Corner has been hosted by various ex-Strictly professionals but as of season 20, Joanne is the segment’s fixed host.

The previous permanent host was dancer and choreographer Karen Hardy who made her departure in 2017.

Joanne is currently working alongside It Takes Two’s main presenters Rylan Clark and Janette Manrara.

Speaking to Radiotimes.com, Joanne said: “I am so incredibly honoured to be taking the lead with Choreography Corner this year!”

She added: “Strictly has been – and continues to be – a massive part of my life.

“I’ve always had a brilliant time on It Takes Two and it has been a joy to be able to come back and visit my Strictly family since hanging up the sequins in 2016.

“To be a part of the It Takes Two team is an absolute dream come true and I look forward to seeing the Fab-U-Lous class of 2022 strut their stuff!”

Strictly Come Dancing continues every Saturday at 6.30pm on BBC One. 

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