Former Strictly star Joanne Clifton announces incredible baby news at 42


Joanne, who is the sister of former Strictly pro Kevin Clifton, is expecting her first child with her partner AJ Jenks


Joanne Clifton stands on a red carpet in a blue glittery dress.© WireImage
Nicky Morris
Nicky MorrisActing TV and Film Editor
5 hours ago
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Former Strictly Come Dancing star Joanne Clifton has announced she is pregnant with her partner AJ Jenks.

The 42-year-old, who appeared as a professional dancer on the BBC show between 2014 and 2016, shared the good news with her Instagram followers on Monday. In a joint post with her partner, Joanne shared a photo of a London Underground Baby On Board badge, which is usually worn by pregnant passengers to alert others that they need a seat.

Joanne's partner AJ joked in the caption: "Can't wait to meet... ErlingbellinghamDebrunyeLennonMcCartneyTaylorHansonHelenMcroryClaudiaWinklemanAlanCarrBuddyHollyPollyShermanPrincessFiona Clifton-Jenks."

View post on Instagram
 

He added: "Cya in December!"

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The comments section was soon inundated with messages of congratulations from stars of the BBC dancing show, including from dancers Amy Dowden, Carlos Gu, Dianne Buswell and Michelle Tsiakkas.

Joanne Clifton and a man in beanie, smiling with a cityscape behind them.© Joanne Clifton/Instagram
Joanne became engaged to her partner AJ Jenks in September last year

Fellow former Strictly dancer Oti Mabuse penned: "Incredible news," while Karen Hauer wrote: "Aww wonderful news!! Congratulations."

Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two presenter and former Strictly dancer Janette Manrara added: "Amazing news."

Her brother Kevin, who was also previously a Strictly professional dancer, posted three hearts in the comments section. 

Kevin Clifton and Joanne Clifton attends the "Strictly Ballroom" after party on October 04, 2022 in Bromley, England. (Photo by Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)© Dave J Hogan/Getty Images
Joanne pictured with her brother Kevin Clifton in 2022

Joanne and AJ announced their engagement in September last year. Showing off her dazzling engagement ring, the dancer penned on Instagram: "Got bored … so we're getting married. Cheers!"

Joanne's Strictly career

Joanne danced on the show between 2014 and 2016, winning the 14th series with her celebrity partner, TV and radio presenter Ore Oduba. She also appeared as an expert presenter on It Takes Two in 2015 and 2019.

Ore Oduba and Joanne Clifton standing with the Glitterball Trophy© BBC
Joanne won the 14th series of Strictly with Ore Oduba

Since leaving Strictly, Joanne has appeared in a number of stage shows, including UK tours of Thoroughly Modern Millie, The Rocky Horror Show, Shrek the Musical and The Addams Family.

Most recently, she starred as Polly in the UK tour of Fawlty Towers: The Play.

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