BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Stacey Dooley jokes she's 'leaving partner' for show star as she says 'I love him'

Stacey Dooley has joked she's 'leaving' her partner Kevin Clifton as she declared her love for Chris McCausland after his Strictly Come Dancing win.

The former BBC One dance contest winner was left emotional as she watched the comedian follow in her footsteps from 2018 and lift the Glitterball trophy.

Documentary maker Stacey beat Chris' professional dance partner Dianne Buswell alongside former show star Kevin Clifton in the final six years ago alongside Dianne's now boyfriend Joe Sugg.

READ MORE: BBC Strictly Come Dancing fans say 'shouldn't be allowed' in Chris McCausland and Tasha Ghouri's final complaint

But on Saturday night (December 14), as Strictly 2024 came to a close, Dianne got her winning moment with Chris, who has made history as the show's first-ever blind winner.

Kevin, who was a pro dancer on the show from 2013 to 2019, took to social media to share his own joy at watching Chris win. He wrote on Instagram alongside a picture of Chris and Dianne's winning moment: "Absolutely sobbing... Well done @chrismccauslandcomedy @diannebuswell im so proud of you!

"What you have achieved is nothing short of sensational. You deserve this sis!!! Also, for about 13 yrs ive heard people say and read articles saying @bbcstrictly is done. And yet, they delivered magic AGAIN. And those people were wrong AGAIN."

Stacey the brilliantly declared she was leaving Kevin in favour of Chris as she wrote in the comments: "Baby, IM LEAVING YOU FOR CHRIS. He’s knockout and I LOVE HIM." Showering praise on Dianne, she added: "Lady Di, WADDA gal!"

It came after she filmed herself watching Chris and Dianne's Show Dance and as she fought tears, she said: "Listen. This couple. People can be perfect dancers and just not move you. Chris makes you FEEL. @diannebuswell your smart as hell. My winners."