Kevin and Karen Clifton return to TV after split news amid ‘frosty relationship’ claims
STRICTLY COME DANCING professionals Kevin and Karen Clifton confirmed their seemingly amicable split last week, but it has emerged that the couple were spotted “ignoring each other” months earlier at Gibraltar airport.
Kevin and Karen Clifton marriage: The dance duo appeared on TV for the first time since their split
Breakfast: Kevin and Karen Clifton confirm they aren't together
It came after months of rumours that the Strictly Come Dancing professionals’ relationship could be on their rocks.
But it appears that things could have been tense between the estranged couple back in July last year, after the pair were spotted seeming “disinterested” in one another.
Speaking about the dance duo, who were waiting for a flight at Gibraltar airport in Spain, a source said: “I did not see them argue but in approximately seven hours of being around them did not see them have a conversation or interaction.”
Speaking to Mirror Online, the source continued: “They were not speaking to each other and both engrossed on phones, completely disinterested in one another.
"They did not speak to each other on the flight either as if ignoring each other.
"She was more interested in sneaking glasses of champagne through to some people she knew in economy."
This morning, the couple made their first TV appearance together since announcing their split during the The Chris Evans Breakfast Show last week.
Kevin and Karen Clifton marriage: The dance duo appeared in good spirits on BBC Breakfast today
Kevin and Karen Clifton marriage: The pair spoke about their split and upcoming tour during the chat
Dancing’s the glue that keeps us together.
Speaking on BBC Breakfast, the couple explained to host Dan Walker that they had decided to open up about their marriage.
The presenter said: “During this series there was a a lot of speculation about your marriage.”
He quizzed: “You’re together but not together, is that the best way of putting it?”
“Because there has been so much speculation its best to just be honest with everyone, and not be scared of it really.” Kevin replied.
He added: “Privately our situation has changed, but professionally we’re still dancing together and stronger than ever really.
“Dancing’s the glue that keeps us together.”
Kevin and Karen Clifton marriage: The Strictly Come Dancing professionals have announced their split
Kevin Clifton and wife Karen show off wild spinning routine
Kevin and Karen Clifton marriage: The duo have insisted that their tour will go on despite the split
Insisting that the couple would still be performing together for their tour, Karen added: “We’ve been even more creative now.
“It’s given us a freedom to explore and this tour is something that we’ve been dreaming about for a lot of years.”
Admitting that the news could have changed the show, she went on: “It hasn’t really changed our chemistry and passion on the dance floor. We’re still best friends and we care about each other and respect each other as performers.
“The energy we want to bring, the positivity, and it’s great to hear their feedback and to see them."
BBC Breakfast continues tomorrow on BBC One at 6am.