Strictly Come Dancing star Joanne Clifton is expecting her first child. The professional dancer, 42, and her fiancé AJ Jenks delighted fans with the wonderful news in a heartfelt announcement posted to social media. Sharing a photograph of Joanne's London Underground Baby On Board badge — typically worn to alert fellow passengers that the wearer requires a seat due to pregnancy — the couple also confirmed their baby's due date as December in the accompanying caption.
Playfully hinting that settling on a name might prove something of a challenge, they quipped: "Can't wait to meet ErlingbellinghamDebrunyeLennonMcCartneyTaylorHansonHelenMcroryClaudiaWinklemanAlanCarrBuddyHollyPollyShermanPrincessFiona Clifton-Jenks. Cya in December." A host of Joanne's former Strictly colleagues flooded the comments section with warm congratulations. Dianne Buswell — who welcomed her own first child earlier this year — offered her 'congratulations', while Joanne's brother Kevin, who lifted the Strictly trophy back in 2019, responded with a string of love hearts.
Karen Hauer said: "Aww wonderful news! ! Congratulations", Oti Mabuse posted: "Incredible news" and Janette Manrara exclaimed: "AMAZING NEWS!!!!"
Joanne featured as a professional dancer on Strictly between 2014 and 2016, claiming victory in the show's 14th series alongside celebrity partner, TV and radio presenter Ore Oduba. She also appeared as a regular expert presenter on It Takes Two in 2015 and 2019.
Joanne and AJ became engaged in September, announcing the news to their followers with the caption, "Got bored ... so we're getting married. Cheers," accompanied by a photograph of her diamond ring.
The couple have been together since 2020, and Joanne previously revealed to the Metro: "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. I went to see AJ in the Buddy Holly musical and he asked me out for a drink. I was convinced it wasn't going to work but we've been together nearly two years now."
Since departing BBC's Strictly in 2016, Joanne has built an impressive career in musical theatre, taking on leading roles in major UK tours of The Addams Family, Shrek the Musical, Flashdance, and The Rocky Horror Show. Most recently, she has been playing the role of Polly in the UK tour of Fawlty Towers: The Play.
