Strictly Come Dancing: Karen Clifton wraps legs around footballer amid split from Kevin
STRICTLY COME DANCING professionals Karen and Kevin Clifton announced their split last week after three years of marriage, but tonight Karen seemed to put her recent break-up to one side as she performed a sexy dance routine with French footballer David Ginola, 51, for Sport Relief.
Strictly Come Dancing: Karen Clifton danced with David Ginola
Sport Relief: Karen Clifton dances with David Ginola
Karen Clifton, 35, who was paired with Sunday Brunch host Simon Rimmer on Strictly Come Dancing last year, seemed in high spirits as she danced alongside the footballer in a frisky Ballroom routine which also featured Pasha Kovalev with Arsenal ladies' Alex Scott, Anya Garnis and pundit Chris Kamara.
Ahead of their performance Karen was captured having a laugh with David as he struggled to pick up the intense moves in rehearsals.
Karen wrapped her legs around David as the twosome attempted to master a lift as part of their routine, but nearly failed as she almost fell off.
Despite the duo’s blunder in rehearsals, the ex-footballer seemed to pull of the routine as the three pairs impressed the audience with their high-energy performance.
Karen and David colour coordinated in navy attire, with the Venezuelan beauty wearing a backless flapper-style jumpsuit, while David opted for a V-neck top and smart black trousers.
Kevin Clifton announced that he and Karen had parted ways earlier this week, following ongoing speculation that their marriage was in crisis.
Speaking on Chris Evans’ BBC Radio 2 show, he said: “Privately we are not together anymore but professionally we are stronger than ever before.
“Dance is how we came together and is what glues us together.”
Strictly Come Dancing: Karen Clifton danced with David Ginola on Sport Relief
Strictly Come Dancing: Karen Clifton performed a Ballroom dance routine with David
Despite the pair going their separate ways, Kevin added that the pair are still “best friends” as they prepare to go on tour together.
“We’re still the best of friends - we still have a lot of love and respect for each other,” he continued.
After announcing their split, the former couple appeared on BBC Breakfast, with Kevin revealing that he announced the couple’s separation to be “honest” with their fans, when quizzed by host Dan Walker.
Karen also claimed that their split hadn’t affected their “chemistry” when dancing together.
Strictly Come Dancing: Karen Clifton almost fell down in rehearsals with David
Strictly Come Dancing: Karen Clifton and David performed on Sport Relief
Strictly Come Dancing: Kevin and Karen Clifton have split after three years of marriage
She divulged: “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.”
“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."