Strictly Come Dancing has come to an end once again, and the stars of this year's series teamed up for one more final group picture. Shared on Janette Manrara's Instagram page, the Class of 2017 huddled up together - but two people were noticeably missing; Karen and Kevin Clifton! The professional dancers, who have been plagued with split rumours for weeks, did not join their dance partners and fellow competitors for the snap. Janette, 34, captioned the photo: "What a night!!! Such an incredible FINAL & such a wonderful @bbcstrictly series!! We hope we’ve made your Saturday nights happy!!" [sic]
Karen and Kevin Clifton were missing from the final Strictly group photo
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."