It's been widely speculated that Karen Clifton and her husband Kevin are experiencing marital woes. And this week, Karen is putting everything behind her by jetting off home to America to spend Christmas with her family - but minus her partner. Taking to her Instagram page, the 35-year-old Strictly star shared several pictures of herself hanging out with her nieces. "Couch full of love x #nieces #familyfirst," she cryptically captioned one photo. She also added another alongside the words: "Nothing beats a good belly giggle with my girly girls #lovemyfamily." Despite the reports which suggest her marriage is on the rocks, Karen's wedding ring is still clearly visible on her finger.
Karen Clifton is back home in the US for Christmas
READ:Karen Clifton admits she is working on marriage to Strictly husband Kevin Clifton
Karen and Kevin, both aged 35, are said to be trying to save their relationship following weeks of alleged marital woes. The couple, who are usually paired together for dance routines, sparked more split rumours when they failed to dance together during the opening of the Strictly final. During Ed Sheeran's performance of Perfect, Karen also took to the dance floor with Pasha Kovalev. Karen recently admitted her marriage "wasn't perfect", after he apologised live on-air for being difficult to her during his time on the show with Susan Calman. "When Strictly is on I'm not the easiest person to live with," he said. "I go a bit mad. So I'd like to say first of thanks to my wife for putting up with me."
Karen and Kevin Clifton have been married since 2015
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Speaking to the Sun, Karen clarified: "We're just a regular couple. We've been together for seven years and like any other relationship you have your ups and downs, and nothing is ever perfect so you make it work." She continued: "Everything is fine. It adds a little bit of spark to the relationship and it just means that we care about each other. We just need to keep pushing, and relationships take work, it's not as easy as you think, especially being in a job like Strictly."