Former Strictly Come Dancing star Joanne Clifton has announced she is pregnant with her partner AJ Jenks.

The 42-year-old, who appeared as a professional dancer on the BBC show between 2014 and 2016, shared the good news with her Instagram followers on Monday. In a joint post with her partner, Joanne shared a photo of a London Underground Baby On Board badge, which is usually worn by pregnant passengers to alert others that they need a seat.

Joanne's partner AJ joked in the caption: "Can't wait to meet... ErlingbellinghamDebrunyeLennonMcCartneyTaylorHansonHelenMcroryClaudiaWinklemanAlanCarrBuddyHollyPollyShermanPrincessFiona Clifton-Jenks."

He added: "Cya in December!"

The comments section was soon inundated with messages of congratulations from stars of the BBC dancing show, including from dancers Amy Dowden, Carlos Gu, Dianne Buswell and Michelle Tsiakkas.

Fellow former Strictly dancer Oti Mabuse penned: "Incredible news," while Karen Hauer wrote: "Aww wonderful news!! Congratulations."

Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two presenter and former Strictly dancer Janette Manrara added: "Amazing news."

Her brother Kevin, who was also previously a Strictly professional dancer, posted three hearts in the comments section. 

Joanne and AJ announced their engagement in September last year. Showing off her dazzling engagement ring, the dancer penned on Instagram: "Got bored … so we're getting married. Cheers!"

Joanne danced on the show between 2014 and 2016, winning the 14th series with her celebrity partner, TV and radio presenter Ore Oduba. She also appeared as an expert presenter on It Takes Two in 2015 and 2019.

Since leaving Strictly, Joanne has appeared in a number of stage shows, including UK tours of Thoroughly Modern Millie, The Rocky Horror Show, Shrek the Musical and The Addams Family.

Most recently, she starred as Polly in the UK tour of Fawlty Towers: The Play.