Kevin Clifton has broken his silence about his romance with Stacey Dooley, as he paid a gushing tribute to her during the opening night of his Burn The Floor show. According to a report from The Mirror on Friday, the professional dancer, 36, addressed his relationship with the presenter, 32, while he was on stage. Speaking to the audience, he said: 'In the last couple of years I've seen massive upheaval in my personal life and it hasn't always been easy. Candid: Kevin Clifton BROKE his silence on Stacey Dooley romance on Friday, as he praised the presenter in a gushing tribute... but says attention on their new relationship 'hasn't been easy' 'There have been a lot of things thrown at me. At times I've struggled. And the times I've struggled and I was in a bit of a rut I didn't know what to do.' Adding that he isn't 'the best at dealing with' his personal struggles, the Strictly pro said it was thanks to producers of his dancing tour that he could be brought back to a place where things 'felt right' again. Kevin then went on to say of new love: 'And thanks to Miss Stacey Dooley, I can finally say I'm the Strictly champion after six years of trying. It's a miracle.' Gushing: Addressing the audience, Kevin said of new love: 'And thanks to Miss Stacey Dooley, I can finally say I'm the Strictly champion after six years of trying. It's a miracle' It's been rumoured that Stacey and Kevin have been enjoying a secret romance for months, with photos emerging of the pair heading into the same Birmingham hotel in January. Stacey’s ex-boyfriend, personal trainer Sam Tucknott, 30, revealed the TV personality called time on their five-year relationship and entered into a romance with thrice-married Kevin in an explosive interview with the Mail On Sunday this weekend. Kevin has yet to comment on his new headline-grabbing romance, but Stacey took to Twitter on Monday to insist there 'are two sides to every story' after her ex Sam Tucknott branded Kevin 'a rat'. The TV presenter, 32, wrote: 'Anyone with any adult life experience knows there are 2 sides to every story. I haven’t got the time or energy to correct some of the utter nonsense I’ve read on here. Romance: It's been rumoured that Stacey and Kevin have been enjoying a secret romance for months, with photos emerging of the pair heading into the same Birmingham hotel in January 'Re Sam, I loved him v much and only wish him happiness and success going forward.' Stacey had broken her silence over the matter the day before, as she liked a tweet about forgiveness. Fresh claims on Tuesday suggest the BBC documentary maker broke up with boyfriend of five years for the professional dancer in order to 'better her career'. Weeks after picking up the Glitterball trophy with Kevin in December, Stacey took part in the Strictly tour, but was separated from her partner who ruled himself out of the live shows to concentrate on his own Burn The Floor tour. Loved-up: The January meet-up came weeks before Stacey announced she had split from her long-term beau Sam, after five years together Despite his hectic work schedule Kevin made the long trip to Birmingham to show his support for Stacey on tour, cheering her on as she danced with Aljaz Skorjanec. Kevin, whose relationship with Stacey was said to be an 'open secret' during the tour, was seen later that night heading into a five star hotel in the city, while Stacey, and the rest of the tour cast, followed close behind. As a Strictly insider said to The Mirror: 'There was no reason for Kevin to slog all the way to Birmingham to see her perform. The fact he did speaks volumes about where they were in their relationship.' The January meet-up came weeks before Stacey announced she had split from her long-term beau Sam, after five years together. Sam himself admitted in an interview with the Mail On Sunday though, that their relationship was under strain late last year as Stacey spent 14 hours a day training with Kevin for their Strictly win. Insiders have claimed that Stacey, known for her hard-hitting BBC Three documentaries, 'dumped' Sam for Kevin as he was 'better for her image'. Candid: Stacey’s ex-boyfriend Sam Tucknott revealed the TV personality called time on their five-year relationship and entered into a romance with thrice-married Kevin According to the report friends of Stacey had warned her that her blossoming career on the back of Strictly could be stalled if she continued in her relationship with the personal trainer. A source said: 'Getting on Strictly made Stacey a household name but winning was her breakthrough. The team around her had been preparing to propel her into the mainstream spotlight. They felt Sam could hold Stacey back.' While Sam supported Stacey during both the Strictly live shows, memorably leaping from his seat at her win with Kevin, and the tour, behind the scenes insiders were worried how he was affecting Stacey's image. A source added to The Sun: 'Sam turned up to the studios in a tracksuit a couple of times and there were raised eyebrows. 'Stacey's team want her with someone sharp and shiny. Kevin has charisma, he's a household name and he's well liked. Stacey knows that too — as well as falling for him, she knows Kevin will help lift her.' Champions: Kevin, whose relationship with Stacey was said to be an 'open secret' during the tour, won the Glitterball trophy alongside his dance partnerAll rights reserved for this news site dailymail and under his responsibility