A former Strictly Come Dancing dancer has announced she’s pregnant with her first child at 42, with several stars of the show rushing to congratulate her.
Joanne Clifton was part of the pro line-up on the BBC series from 2014 until 2016, winning with TV and radio presenter Ore Oduba in her final year.
She remained in the Strictly fold following her exit, providing her expertise on It Takes Two, while her brother Kevin Clifton competed as a pro until 2019.
In September last year, Joanna announced that she was engaged to actor and musician AJ Jenks, who she began dating in 2020.
Now, the couple have announced that they’re going to be parents – and their baby is arriving very soon.
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In an Instagram post, they shared a picture of a ‘Baby on board’ badge, with AJ writing in the caption: ‘Can’t wait to meet…ErlingbellinghamDebrunyeLennonMcCartneyTaylorHansonHelenMcroryClaudiaWinklemanAlanCarrBuddyHollyPollyShermanPrincessFiona Clifton-Jenks. Cya in December!’
If a name ever had a huge legacy to bear, this is certainly it.
(Obviously this isn’t the baby’s actual name, but we’d love it if it was).
Fellow Strictly stars flooded the comment section with celebratory messages, with the recently-wed Neil Jones writing: ‘The best news. Congratulations.’
‘Aww wonderful news!! Congratulations 🫶,’ Karen Hauer wrote, while Janette Manrara described it as ‘amazing news’.
Joanne’s brother Kevin commented with a row of heart emojis, as did his partner Stacey Dooley, who he was partnered with on Strictly in 2018.
‘Beyond thrilled!!’ commented Sara Davies, while Feur East added: ‘Wooo! Congratulations 🙌🔥🔥🔥.’
More to follow.