Strictly Come Dancing's Joanne Clifton announces engagement live on air

Ex Strictly Come Dancing professional Joanne Clifton has revealed to It Takes Two viewers that she's engaged, with host Fleur East announcing the news on air.

Joanne, 41, told fans on Instagram earlier today that she was set to marry partner AJ Jenks. Sharing several photos of the pair, Joanne wrote: "Got bored..... so we're getting married. Cheers!"

However, Joanne shared the news for the first time on telly tonight as she returned to It Takes Two. The BBC Two show's co-host Fleur East introduced Joanne for Choreography Corner, saying: "You've been really busy - you're back on stage at the moment with Faulty Towers the Play and you've just got engaged!"

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"I have!" Joanne replied, before poking fun at her outfit. "A bit on the nose, white dress."

Fleur added: "Congratulations - we're so happy for you."

Joanne has won British, Italian, European and World championships throughout her ballroom and Latin dancing career. She was a professional on Strictly Come Dancing from 2014 to 2016, claiming victory in her final series alongside Ore Oduba.

After departing Strictly, she has featured in numerous stage productions including the UK tours of Flashdance, The Rocky Horror Show, Shrek the Musical and The Addams Family.

She and actor AJ have been together since 2020. A number of celebrities took to the comments of their social media post to congratulate the pair - including various Strictly stars.

Gorka Marquez, Carlos Gu and Oti Mabuse were among those sending well-wishes, as well as Joanne's former sister-in-law Karen Hauer, who commented: "Omg Jo! Congratulations beautiful - big hug."

Stacey Dooley - who has been with Joanne's brother Kevin Clifton for over five years - also wrote: "Whehehehheyyyyyuyyyyyy," alongside three hearts.

Meanwhile, Kevin - who is also a former Strictly professional - shared the news in his own post. He wrote: "@realjoanneclifton & @aj_jenksuk got engaged," alongside a ring emoji and a heart emoji.

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