Karen and Kevin Clifton are back in the studios rehearsing for the next series of Strictly Come Dancing, where sequins, spray tans and sensational costumes await them. But the newlyweds, who married in mid-July in a wedding exclusively covered by HELLO! magazine, have just returned from an equally starry world.
Read the full interview in this week's HELLO! magazine, available to download on Monday. Buy it on Ipad, android, kindle fire and more formats. Or subscribe today to make sure you don't miss an issue!
Kevin and Karen Clifton honeymooned in Mauritius
The professional dancers spent their dreamy honeymoon in Mauritius – their first proper holiday together and also the chance to relax before hitting the dancefloor and training up their celebrity partners.
"We just wanted to enjoy every second of being together in the sun and not moving," said Karen, 33.
"Some people said we should go into the main city and do touristy stuff, but we wanted to be lounging outside, taking in the view, drinking a cocktail... and just looking at Kevin – and my ring every five minutes, playing around with it, checking it was still there."
The Strictly Come Dancing dancers married in July
Waking up on the first morning of their honeymoon, the newlyweds could scarcely believe how breathtaking their surroundings were.
"Our suite was stupendous," said Karen of the five-star The Residence Mauritius. "It was bigger than our house and overlooked the beach and pool. It had a beautiful tropical garden and palm trees. It felt like we were watching a movie from our terrace."
"I felt like I've been married to Kevin since day one," she added. "We've never left each other's sides, but getting married is life changing. I feel more confident as a woman. Now I'm like, 'Oh my God, I'm a wife.' It's exciting and very romantic. I feel like I've changed in a good way."
Having returned to their home in London, the couple, who met on Burn the Floor, have their eyes set on winning Strictly. "Now the dream is just the glitterball itself," said Kevin.
"At least if it comes home I can say it's mine because everything that's Kevin's now also belongs to me," laughed Karen.
Read the full interview in this week's HELLO! magazine, available to download on Monday. Buy it on Ipad, android, kindle fire and more formats. Or subscribe today to make sure you don't miss an issue!
Kevin and Karen travelled with Western & Oriental. Seven nights at The Residence Mauritius costs from £1,495pp, based on two sharing (including return flights from London Heathrow, private transfers and half-board accommodation in a Colonial Garden View room); visit westernoriental.com or tel 0207 666 1234; cenizarro.com/theresidence/mauritius.