Strictly Come Dancing is set to welcome back familiar face Aljaz Skorjanec. The announcement of his return was made on The One Show.
“What haven’t I missed? I got to look after my beautiful wife, my beautiful baby for two years. But I missed everything about Strictly,” he shared during Monday night’s episode (July 8).
The professional dancer had previously left the show in 2022 after a nine-year stint, with his last appearance being in 2021. He had praised his wife Janette Manrara, who also left the show in 2021, in his social media statement at the time.
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“On a beautiful sunny day in May 2013 one phone call changed my life forever! It went like this… we would like to offer you a position on @bbcstrictly as a professional dancer. A dream became a reality and it was the biggest opportunity for a 23-year-old boy from Slovenia.
(Image: BBC)
“It didn’t matter how many beautiful ballrooms I performed in during my competitive career, stepping onto the sacred Strictly floor was the most nervous I had ever been. A little while ago I made the tough decision that Strictly 2021 would be my last. The show has given me an opportunity and freedom to create and express myself in front of millions of people every weekend for the last nine years.
“The love and support I got from the team of producers was second to none. Louise Rainbow, Sarah James, Kim Winston, Jack Gledhill are just a few of the unsung heroes behind the success of the show – I am forever grateful to them!
“Being a part of a group of professionals that inspire and push you to be better every step of the way is humbling and I will carry that inspiration with me forever. Every year the lineup of dancers would change but one thing stayed the same, WE WERE THE BEST! And this is one thing that I know will never change on Strictly!
(Image: Instagram/BBC)
“Strictly also has the BEST backstage team – the hair and makeup team, costume department, lighting, sound, props and special effects, camera operators… THANK YOU! My beautiful partners – Abbey Clancy, Alison Hammond, Helen George, Daisy Lowe, Kate Silverton, Gemma Atkinson, Emma Weymouth, Clara Amfo and Sara Davies.
“It’s hard to put into words how many beautiful memories we have had. I LOVE YOU ALL! To my bucka… from picking songs, creating stories and choreographing steps we always did it as a team. Your talent and selflessness knows no bounds. We were dating when we started together on the show and now we are husband and wife.
(Image: PA)
“We got to perform with Andrea Bocelli, Michael Buble, Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, BBC Symphony Orchestra.. moments I will keep in my heart forever. I LOVE YOU! And finally, thank YOU, the people that watch Strictly who have been so kind to me all these years. Every comment, vote, kind message never went unnoticed. You are the reason we all do it, thank you! “.
Aljaz concluded his heartfelt message by hinting at his future plans, reports the Mirror. “I have lots of exciting stuff planned that I will fill you in on soon. I can’t wait to see what the future holds! KEEEEEP DANCING! ” This comes after Strictly bosses were left stunned when plans for the show’s 20th anniversary celebration at Buckingham Palace fell through, despite having the Queen’s approval.
Aljaz’s return comes after it was confirmed Giovanni Pernice would be leaving the show. He has been surrounded by accusations about his training style, which he denies.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
