Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton, the beloved real-life couple who captured hearts on Strictly Come Dancing, are reuniting professionally for the first time in seven years to star together in a brand new production of the critically acclaimed play, 2:22 A Ghost Story. This highly anticipated collaboration sees them taking on the roles of husband and wife, Jenny and Sam, as they navigate chilling supernatural occurrences within their new home.
Their journey together began on the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing in 2018, where their professional partnership blossomed into a celebrated romance. Since then, while their personal lives saw them welcome daughter Minnie, their professional paths largely diverged, making this stage comeback a significant moment for fans eager to see the duo’s chemistry rekindled in a new artistic venture.
The hit play, “2:22 A Ghost Story,” known for its gripping narrative and unexpected twists, provides the perfect platform for their return. As Jenny, Stacey portrays a woman convinced her home is haunted, while Kevin’s character, Sam, remains a skeptic, leading to intense on-stage debates and a deep dive into the psychological tension of a couple facing the unknown.
Remarkably, the idea for their joint appearance originated with Dooley and Clifton themselves. Kevin, a long-time admirer of the play, even confessed to seeing it multiple times. This shared enthusiasm for the material underscores their commitment to projects they are genuinely passionate about, rather than simply pursuing joint ventures.
Stacey, who previously garnered acclaim for her performance in the West End run of “2:22 A Ghost Story” last year, expresses excitement about returning to the play with a fresh interpretation and an entirely new cast. Her experience provides a valuable foundation, while Kevin’s fresh perspective as a newcomer to the production adds another layer of intrigue to their on-stage dynamic.
The couple openly discussed the fascinating challenge of portraying a relationship so starkly different from their own, highlighting the dramatic tension that arises between Jenny’s belief in the paranormal and Sam’s dismissive skepticism. Despite the spooky subject matter, both maintain a healthy curiosity about the supernatural, with Kevin leaning towards skepticism and Stacey open to the possibility of “something else.”
Balancing their demanding theatre schedule with parenthood presents a new set of dynamics for the couple, as this marks their first time both being out of the house during bath and bedtime since welcoming their daughter. Thankfully, they are supported by alternating grandmas who will join them on the UK theatre tour, ensuring Minnie is well cared for while they are on stage.
Now honorary northerners residing in Liverpool, Stacey and Kevin shared their affection for Manchester, the vibrant city where their tour kicks off at the Opera House. While professional engagements keep them busy, Stacey jokingly expressed her ongoing enthusiasm for dancing around the house, a passion their two-year-old daughter Minnie seems to be inheriting, much to Kevin’s amusement, as he focuses on his serious acting career.
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