BBC Strictly stars rally around former pro, 42, as they announce first pregnancy in sweet announcement
Former Strictly Come Dancing professional Joanne Clifton has revealed she is expecting her first child at the age of 42.
The dancer and her fiancé, actor and musician AJ Jenks, broke the news on Instagram by posting a photograph of a “Baby on board” badge.
Mr Jenks accompanied the image with a playful caption, joking about their supposed struggle to settle on a name.
“Can’t wait to meet ErlingbellinghamDebrunyeLennonMcCartneyTaylorHansonHelenMcroryClaudiaWinklemanAlanCarrBuddyHollyPollyShermanPrincessFiona Clifton-Jenks,” he quipped.
Joanne Clifton (right) is expecting her first child
“Cya in December!” Ms Clifton’s partner signed off.
The playful name references footballers, musicians, television presenters and fictional characters, but will, of course, not being the chosen moniker.
Nevertheless, the post quickly delighted fans and former colleagues alike.
Congratulatory messages from the Strictly family swiftly filled the comments section beneath the post.
Neil Jones, who recently tied the knot himself, responded: “The best news. Congratulations.”
Karen Hauer offered her own warm wishes, writing: “Aww wonderful news!! Congratulations.”
And departing It Takes Two presenter Janette Manrara described the announcement as “amazing news.”
Joanne Clifton won Strictly with Ore Oduba
His partner Stacey Dooley, with whom he was paired on the programme in 2018, did the same.
Former contestant Sara Davies declared herself “beyond thrilled” at the news, and Fleur East also chimed in with enthusiastic congratulations.
Meanwhile, Dianne Buswell and Oti Mabuse were among the other Strictly alumni to send their well-wishes.
Ms Clifton and Mr Jenks have been a couple since 2020, after meeting through the world of musical theatre.
Joanne Clifton is expecting her first child with fiancé AJ
The former Strictly pro has previously spoken about how the relationship began, telling 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.”
The pair announced their engagement in September 2025, sharing a photograph of her diamond ring with a typically understated caption: “Got bored … so we’re getting married. Cheers.”
Their first child together is now expected to arrive in December.
Neil Jones was among the Strictly stars who congratulated Joanne Clifton
Ms Clifton joined the Strictly professional roster in 2014 and lifted the trophy two years later alongside television and radio presenter Ore Oduba.
She departed the programme immediately after that victory, pivoting to a career in musical theatre, although she maintained ties to the franchise through appearances on the companion show It Takes Two.
Now, a decade on from their triumph, Ms Clifton and Mr Oduba are reuniting for a limited theatre tour entitled 10: Champions Reignited.
Mr Oduba told West End Best Friend: “It’s gonna be nostalgic. There’ll be lots that people remember from Joanne and my partnership on Strictly, but it’s also a look back at the last 10 years of our lives on stage.”
