Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton recently celebrated their daughter Minnie's first birthday, and the presenter has opened up about their family in a new interview.
Speaking to Metro in a candid chat, the stylish redhead discussed how motherhood has made her more empathetic to others, the challenges of breastfeeding while working in TV, and of course, her experience on Strictly.
The mum-of-one confessed that she wasn't prepared for the level of attention the BBC show would bring, admitting to the paper: "There is inevitably more of an interest in your personal life – and the fact that I fell for my partner probably didn't help."
The interview's publication comes a few days after Stacey was brought to tears by Kevin's kindness. Last weekend, the former Strictly professional shared a special tribute for his girlfriend.
Taking to Instagram on the documentary maker's birthday, Kevin uploaded a gorgeous photo of his beau as she posed in a gorgeous beige jumper while playing with strands of her signature red hair.
© Dan Wooller/Shutterstock"Happy birthday to my best friend, my girl, my everything @sjdooley," the dancer penned. "The loveliest, kindest, funniest, cleverest, warmest girl ever. Love u so much baby." The tribute clearly touched Stacey's heart as she responded to the post with a string of heart and crying emojis.
Stacey has kept the details of her birthday celebrations to herself, but one of her friends shared a post of the birthday girl that was taken on her daughter Minnie's birthday, with the doting mum carrying a three-tiered birthday cake covered in pink icing and white decorations.
© GettyAlthough the couple often keep the youngster out of the spotlight, they do share the occasional snap of their darling girl. In a sweet photo shared last month, for example, the doting dad proved how close his bond is with his daughter as he cradled his child in his arms.
Minnie looked so precious in the snap wearing a candyfloss pink pyjama set emblazoned with ballerina mice, presents and snow-topped fir trees. Alongside his sweet update, Kevin commented: "Taking some rest with daddy" followed by a red heart emoji and a little mouse.
© InstagramShortly after Stacey gave birth, Kevin took to his Instagram account and posted an adorable photo that revealed the baby's gender and name in one. The snap was of an envelope which read: "Minnie's parents."
The professional dancer then followed up with an Instagram Story which said simply: "Our daughter Minnie is here." While the couple have kept much of their family life under wraps, former Strictly champ Stacey has been incredibly honest about her experience as a first-time mother.
© ShutterstockDuring an appearance on The One Show, Stacey told presenters Emma Willis and Jermaine Jenas: "Honestly, it's like I'm the first woman to ever have a child. I'm that dramatic! I'm just completely obsessed. I'm head over heels, she's magic."
She added: "I'm good as gold and she is just a delight. I'm biased, aren't I? But she is just the love of my life and I'm just made up with her."
