Strictly Come Dancing star Kevin Clifton has candidly opened up about suffering from a hidden battle as he admitted the past few years haven't always been easy.
Kevin, 40, who welcomed his first daughter Minnie with partner Stacey Dooley in January this year, said he was "celebrating the most wonderful past five years," as he took to his social media in an adorable post of how his life has turned around in recent times.
The Strictly professional first met Stacey in 2018 after they performed together on the popular BBC dancing show and went on to win the competition with their captivating footwork which saw them lift the glitterball trophy.
The 40-year-old previously thanked the television presenter for helping him "fall in love with dancing again," reports the Mirror.
In a candid Instagram post, Kevin, who left Strictly in 2020, wrote: "Don’t like to talk about it too much in public but a few years ago I wasn’t always doing as well as I always tried to make out.
"Today I’m celebrating the most wonderful past five years."
Kevin shared a series of photos on his post, with the first showing a selfie of him with longer hair and looking not as sharp as usual, followed by a piece of paper which read: "Just remember five years ago, you dreamed about where are you now."
He then shared a photo of himself and Stacey staring adoringly at their daughter as Kevin held the tot in his arms. Other photos showed Kevin strutting his stuff on stage with Stacey and lifting the glitterball trophy.
Journalist Stacey, 36, commented on the honest post: "My angel. We love you endlessly."
The dancer replied: "Love you and Mins."
Their Strictly co-stars and friends also flooded the comments section, as they noted how "proud" they were of how far Kevin has come over the years.
Strictly head judge Shirley Ballas wrote: "Proud of you @kevinclifton," as sister and former co-star Joanne Clifton commented: "Proud of you."
Other Strictly performers Kelvin Fletcher and Johannes Radebe also rushed to give their support.
Meanwhile, a fan and follower wrote: "You are amazing and always give everything to whatever you put your mind & soul to...lots love xxxxxx"
"Even being able to admit it and share is very brave and important!," quipped another.
Stacey has previously described her partner Kevin as "an angel" and "the kindest man I've ever met" having become first-time parents.
She later gushed over Kevin in a post for Valentine's Day, describing him and Minnie as the "loves of [her] life". She added: "I dunno what I did to get so lucky."
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