Joanne Clifton’s Engagement Announcement Takes Center Stage
It’s not every day that the world of ballroom and Latin dance pauses for a love story. But on September 29, 2025, Joanne Clifton—champion dancer, Strictly Come Dancing winner, and beloved TV personality—did just that. The curtain rose for the new season of BBC Two’s Strictly: It Takes Two, but the real drama unfolded not on the dancefloor, but in a heartfelt, unscripted moment live on air. Clifton, 41, confirmed her engagement to actor and musician AJ Jenks, sending ripples of excitement through the Strictly community and beyond.
A Social Media Reveal and an On-Air Celebration
The news first broke earlier in the day when Joanne took to Instagram, sharing a playful series of photos with Jenks. Her caption was as nonchalant as it was charming: “Got bored… so we’re getting married. Cheers!” With that, a flurry of congratulatory messages from fans, celebrities, and fellow Strictly stars cascaded across social media.
But Joanne’s story wasn’t finished. That evening, as she returned to her regular spot on It Takes Two for the Choreography Corner segment, host Fleur East wasted no time: “You’ve been really busy—you’re back on stage at the moment with Faulty Towers the Play and you’ve just got engaged!” Clifton, beaming and donning a cheeky white dress, replied, “I have! A bit on the nose, white dress.” The moment was punctuated by laughter and applause—a genuine celebration of love, broadcast to millions.
The Journey: From Glitterball Glory to Theatre Stardom
Joanne Clifton’s name has long been synonymous with excellence in dance. Bursting onto the Strictly scene in 2014, she quickly made her mark, partnering with a range of celebrities before clinching the coveted Glitterball Trophy alongside Ore Oduba in 2016. Her Strictly tenure was short but spectacular, her performances marked by precision, passion, and undeniable charisma.
After her victory, Clifton pivoted to musical theatre, taking on leading roles in acclaimed productions like Flashdance, The Rocky Horror Show, Shrek the Musical, and The Addams Family. Her current project, a West End debut as Polly in Fawlty Towers, demonstrates her remarkable versatility and enduring appeal.
AJ Jenks, her now-fiancé, entered her life just as she was embarking on this new chapter. The pair went public in 2020, and Clifton has since reflected on her initial doubts—she once vowed never to date within the entertainment industry, but fate had other plans. “Before I met my boyfriend AJ, I said to myself, I’m not going to go out with anyone from the industry. But you can’t help what happens,” she told Digital Spy in 2022. Their relationship blossomed quietly, away from the glare of the spotlight, until now.
Strictly Family Reacts: Outpouring of Joy and Support
The announcement was met with an avalanche of warmth from the Strictly community. Kevin Clifton, Joanne’s brother and fellow former pro, shared the news with pride and a flurry of emojis. Stacey Dooley, Kevin’s partner, responded in her signature exuberant style, while former sister-in-law Karen Hauer sent her love: “Omg Jo! Congratulations beautiful—big hug.”
Other Strictly stalwarts, including Katya Jones, Carlos Gu, Oti Mabuse, and former judge Arlene Phillips, chimed in with heartfelt messages. Jones, who shared a FaceTime call with Joanne to admire the engagement ring, encapsulated the mood: “She’s getting married!!!! So happy for you both.” The joy was infectious, spilling over to fans and followers who flooded Joanne’s posts with well-wishes and celebratory emojis.
A New Chapter in a Storied Career
For Clifton, the engagement isn’t just a personal milestone—it’s the latest twist in a life shaped by dance, discipline, and resilience. Her accolades include British, Italian, European, and World championships, and her journey has inspired countless aspiring dancers. Now, as she steps into this new role as fiancée, she does so with the same vivacity and confidence that have defined her career.
The Strictly Come Dancing franchise, too, feels the ripple effect. With the new season underway, Clifton’s engagement adds a touch of real-life romance to a show already famed for its glitz, glamour, and emotional highs. The sense of community—among pros, contestants, and viewers alike—is part of what keeps Strictly at the heart of British popular culture, year after year.
What’s Next for Joanne and AJ?
While neither Clifton nor Jenks has revealed details about their upcoming nuptials, the excitement is palpable. Both are juggling busy schedules—Clifton on stage, Jenks in the world of acting and music—but their shared announcement signals a willingness to embrace life’s next steps together, however unpredictable the dance may be.
For now, fans can expect more updates as the couple navigates wedding planning, career commitments, and the joyful chaos that comes with merging two creative lives. If their announcement is any indication, their journey will be filled with laughter, warmth, and a touch of showbiz sparkle.
Joanne Clifton’s engagement is a vivid reminder that, even in a world obsessed with performance and perfection, the most powerful moments are often the most human. Her story is not just about winning trophies or stealing scenes—it’s about finding connection, embracing change, and letting joy take center stage. In celebrating her engagement, the Strictly community reaffirms what makes it special: a genuine sense of family, on and off the dancefloor.