THE Clifton family made a rare appearance on the dance floor together as they took part in the opening performance of Saturday night's Strictly Come Dancing.
The show's Kevin Clifton was joined by parents Keith and Judy, sister and fellow professional Joanne, his fiancee Karen and 21 excited couples from Clifton's Dance Academy, in Grimsby.
After their routine live on the BBC at the iconic Tower Ballroom in Blackpool, the group sat down to enjoy Kevin and his celebrity dance partner Susanna Reid top the leader board with a stunning Paso Doble to Carmen's Los Toreadors.
Last night, the couple made it safely through to the next round of the competition, as Fiona Fullerton and her partner Anton du Beke were eliminated in a dance-off against Mark Benton and his partner Iveta Lukosiute.
The Tower Ballroom has been the scene of many memorable Clifton performances. Both Kevin and Joanne enjoyed success there as juniors, while Judy won the British Quickstep competition at the venue.
However, despite visiting many times as a judge and spectator, Saturday night's routine was the first time Keith had graced the hallowed dance floor.
He said: "It was a heck of a day. All our family were on the stage at the same time and that's never really happened before. The only person we didn't have was the dog, who was at home with the dog sitter!
"It was an amazing day for all the couples we brought from Grimsby. They met all the stars and watched the show. Some of them haven't been dancing very long and all of a sudden they are dancing on Strictly. They were buzzing all day. When we came back on the bus everyone was overcome with joy and excitement.
"I have been to the Tower Ballroom many times before, but I have never competed there, although Judy and the kids have. It was my debut so it's all falling into place."
Kevin and Susanna kept up their run of impressive performances by earning a magnificent 39 points from the judges, putting them joint top of the leader board with Natalie Gumede and Artem Chingvintsev.
Keith said: "They absolutely nailed the Paso Doble. Kevin looked pretty good in that bullfighter outfit and Susanna danced way beyond expectation. To get 10s and a 9 and be up there at the leader board is fantastic."
The couple were given a rousing cheer from the audience when their names were announced, and Keith believes there is a well of support building for them.
"Kevin said they could actually feel the floor shake. If they get the support of the public as well as the marks from the judges, they stand a chance.
"We will see. There are other dances to come. We are halfway through the competition and nobody is safe now. Abbey has been in the dance-off and everybody is pretty good. Even those that have dropped into the dance-off in previous weeks have received good remarks. It's anybody's game."
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