‘Huge changes on the horizon’: Kevin Clifton tipped for shock Strictly comeback
As the 2026 series of Strictly Come Dancing approaches, fans and insiders alike are buzzing with speculation about the future of the show. With several professional dancers confirmed to be leaving the iconic BBC dance competition, bookmakers have thrown their weight behind a surprising contender for a comeback: Kevin Clifton. The former Strictly pro, who left the show in 2019, is now the favourite to return to the ballroom, promising a fresh yet familiar twist to the upcoming season. Here’s everything you need to know about this potential shock return and what it could mean for Strictly’s future.
Kevin Clifton’s potential return amid major Strictly pro departures
Strictly Come Dancing has long been a staple of British television, captivating audiences with its dazzling routines and celebrity partnerships. However, ahead of the 2026 series, the show is undergoing significant changes behind the scenes. Notably, professional dancers Gorka Marquez, Nadiya Bychkova, and Karen Hauer have all been confirmed to be stepping down from the show. This has left a gap in the pro line-up, prompting speculation about who will fill these coveted spots.
Bookmakers have quickly responded to the news, with Kevin Clifton emerging as the frontrunner to make a surprise return. Clifton, who originally joined Strictly in 2013, won the competition in 2018 alongside Stacey Dooley before departing at the end of 2019. Now, with odds at 3/1, Kevin is the favourite to rejoin the show for the 2026 series. His sister Joanne Clifton is also in the running, with odds of 7/1, while other former pros like Oti Mabuse and Ian Waite are also being considered.
Kevin’s current schedule appears to align well with a potential comeback. He is starring in the touring production of Priscilla Queen of the Desert, which concludes in July 2026, just in time for the Strictly series to begin. This timing has only fueled speculation that Kevin could be preparing to step back into the spotlight on the BBC ballroom floor.
What previous comebacks tell us about Kevin’s chances
Kevin Clifton wouldn’t be the first former professional dancer to return to Strictly after a hiatus. For example, Aljaz Skorjanec made a comeback in 2024 after taking two years off to focus on fatherhood. This precedent suggests that the show is open to welcoming back familiar faces, especially those who have proven popular with audiences.
Given Kevin’s popularity and previous success on the show, his return could be a strategic move by the producers to reinvigorate the series amid the recent departures. Bookmakers like Betway have highlighted Kevin as their top pick, alongside other potential returnees such as Curtis Pritchard and Brendan Cole, who would bring different styles and demographics to the show.
Betway spokesperson Lewis Knowles commented on the situation: “With some huge changes on the horizon for Strictly, we predict that we may see some familiar faces make a comeback this autumn to reignite the Strictly magic. Kevin Clifton is our current favourite at 3/1 to make a return.”
Will Strictly Come Dancing continue despite the shake-up?
News of multiple pro dancers leaving has led some fans to worry about the future of Strictly Come Dancing. Rumours have circulated about the possibility of the show being scaled back or even cancelled. However, bookmakers remain confident that the beloved Saturday night programme will go ahead as planned in 2026.
Lewis Knowles from Betway reassured fans by stating, “While many fans are worried about the uncertainty the show currently faces, our current odds suggest that things will be business as usual for the Saturday night favourite this year, sitting at 1/20 to go ahead as scheduled!”
This confidence indicates that the BBC is committed to maintaining Strictly’s place in the television lineup, even as it navigates these significant changes. The potential return of Kevin Clifton could be a key part of that strategy, bringing back a familiar and well-loved figure to help steady the ship.
Conclusion
The 2026 series of Strictly Come Dancing is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing yet, with huge changes on the horizon and Kevin Clifton tipped for a shock comeback. As the show adapts to the departure of several professional dancers, Kevin’s potential return offers fans a chance to relive some of the magic that made him a household name. Whether or not he ultimately steps back onto the Strictly dance floor, the excitement surrounding his possible comeback is undeniable.
Are you eager to see Kevin Clifton back on Strictly Come Dancing? Stay tuned for more updates and share your thoughts with us on social media. Don’t miss out on the latest Strictly news – subscribe to our newsletter and be the first to know about all the exciting developments!
