Kevin and Karen Dance

The Alhambra

It could all have been a bit "awks".

Kevin and Karen Clifton, popular stars of Strictly Come Dancing, are no longer a couple but continue to share the stage on their current tour.

They could, of course, have gone through the motions without a mention of their high profile marriage split. It's not unusual for professional dancers to stay together as partners on the dance floor after separating in their personal lives.

But, to their credit, the pair addressed the issue, with dignity and humour at last night's Alhambra show. It was a clever touch to bring a bit of rivalry into the show - a 'dance-off' saw Kevin paying tribute to his childhood hero, Michael Jackson, with a slick Smooth Criminal routine, while Karen worked it with sizzling Latin moves to Gloria Estefan's Conga and Beyonce's Crazy in Love. And there were touching moments too, not least an emotional barefoot dance to Come What May, part of a stunning Moulin Rouge montage, which earned the couple a standing ovation.

This show, they told us, was inspired by the music and musicals they love, and along the way they treated us to a variety of dance styles, from fiery Latin and passionate tango to elegant ballroom and high-energy contemporary moves.

Act 2 opened with a fabulous West Side Story tribute - surely Karen is a natural to play Anita in this show when it's next revived - and Kevin gave us the intense Strictly Ballroom paso doble that wowed Strictly (Come Dancing) viewers when he and Susan Calman performed it in the Blackpool Tower ballroom last autumn. The Baz Luhrmann theme continued with a lovely Romeo and Juliet-inspired number to Des Ree's Kissing You, beautifully danced by fellow Strictly star Dianne Buswell and her partner from the talented young dance ensemble.

The pair also drew from their days as young hopefuls hoofing through endless auditions. Several audience members joined Kevin, Karen and their dancers on stage for a Chorus Line-inspired number, with the delightful Paul picked to take part in a high-kicking One Singular Sensation routine.

Kevin is a natural with the audience; chatting away as if he was an old friend, raising a laugh with his cheeky banter and occasionally opening his heart.

"You will always be loved," he said, in a moving tribute to Karen.

With a fabulous 13-piece orchestra and classy vocalists John and Alison (their Elephant Love Medley from Moulin Rouge was a highlight of the show), this is a slick, hugely entertaining production that packed in much-loved songs and musical numbers - from Elvis's Jailhouse Rock to the Cliftons' nod to Fred and Ginger in Let's Face the Music and Dance. It was a treat to see these world-class dancers in action, and the show raced along like a well-oiled machine.

But it was much more than that. There was genuine warmth here, and it was this, coupled with dazzling routines, that had the audience leaping to their feet throughout the show, leaving Karen and Kevin visibly moved.

A packed audience was left in no doubt that these are two people who still care for each other.