Kevin Clifton’s Shocking Discovery and Career Break Announcement
A Devastating Revelation
In the world of genealogy and family history, uncovering secrets from the past can sometimes be a sobering experience. Such was the case for Kevin Clifton, the Grimsby-born dancer and former Strictly Come Dancing star, who recently appeared on the BBC One program “Who Do You Think You Are?” In Thursday night’s episode, Clifton made a shocking discovery about his “villain” ancestor that left him sickened and visibly shaken.
Clifton learned that his great-great-great grandfather, John Russell, was an abusive and violent man who subjected his wife, Grace, to physical abuse. The dancer expressed his disbelief and labeled his distant relative a “villain.” The revelation that Grace was left with “blackened eyes” as a result of her husband’s violent rages undoubtedly resonated with Clifton, who condemned the unfairness of her situation.
A Glimpse into the Past
The episode also shed light on another dark chapter in Clifton’s family history. He discovered that his five-times great-grandmother, Matooski, was a victim of racism in her native country, the First Nations of Canada. This revelation added another layer of complexity to Clifton’s ancestral story and provided insight into the struggles faced by his ancestors.
A Career Break for Fatherhood
In addition to the emotional journey of exploring his family history, Kevin Clifton also made a significant announcement during the episode. The new dad revealed that he would be taking a career break for the remainder of the year, starting in July, to focus on fatherhood and spend quality time with his daughter, Minnie.
Clifton shared how his jam-packed schedule, which included various shows and tours, left him with little time to fully immerse himself in fatherhood. He expressed a desire not to miss any precious moments with his daughter and made the decision to step away from performing work for the time being.
A Reflection on Priorities
Clifton’s decision to prioritize fatherhood is a poignant reminder of the importance of balancing personal and professional responsibilities. In an industry that often demands relentless dedication and sacrifice, it is refreshing to see a public figure embrace the role of a father and prioritize family commitments.
This decision highlights the significance of embracing the meaningful moments in life and acknowledging the fleeting nature of time. Clifton’s desire to be fully present for his daughter’s early years serves as a reminder to all individuals to consider their own priorities and make choices that align with their values.
A Call for Self-Reflection
Kevin Clifton’s journey into his family history and his subsequent decision to take a career break have raised broader questions about the impact of our ancestors on our present lives. The discovery of a “villain” ancestor serves as a reminder that our collective past is a tapestry of both triumphs and shortcomings.
It also prompts us to reflect on the societal progress made in addressing issues such as domestic violence and racism. While Clifton’s ancestors endured immense hardships, it is vital to acknowledge that their stories have paved the way for a more enlightened and compassionate society.
In conclusion, Kevin Clifton’s appearance on “Who Do You Think You Are?” provided viewers with a poignant exploration of his family history, revealing both troubling revelations and inspiring resilience. His decision to prioritize fatherhood by taking a career break serves as a reminder to us all to reflect on our own priorities and strive for a balanced and fulfilling life.
<< photo by Anne Nygård >>
The image is for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual situation.
