Kevin Clifton was rejected by ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ bosses at his first two auditions to become a professional on the BBC One series.
The 36-year-old Latin and ballroom dancer joined the programme in 2013 and was partnered with ‘Good Morning Britain’ presenter Susanna Reid, finishing second on Series 11.
But Kevin has now revealed that he was knocked back by bosses on his first try-out because he turned up for his audition rocking a Goth look dressed in all black, with long black hair, kohl-lined eyes and jet black nail polish in attempt to stand out from the crowd.
What made it worse is that he danced with his then-girlfriend Karen Hauer, who impressed the panel and was given a job on the programme.
Speaking in ‘Strictly The Professionals’ – a special that focuses on the ballroom dancers that will air on Saturday (14.09.19) – Kevin spilled: "They said, ‘We’d love to take Karen, but not that guy. We’ve no need for that gothic scarecrow who thinks he’s the rock star of the ballroom.’ "
Kevin – who won the glitterball trophy with Stacey Dooley, who is now his girlfriend, last year – tried again the following year auditioning alongside Aljaz Skorjanec and Janette Manrara but was snubbed once more.
However, after his second rejection Kevin did get a job dancing in the ‘Strictly’ trailer as an "invisible dancer" which required him to wear a bodysuit and dance with the celebrities and that led to him becoming a full-time professional.
Kevin Clifton rejected from Strictly Come Dancing twice
