Strictly pro Aljaz’s health battles – skin condition, mental health and cancelling shows

Former Strictly Come Dancing star Aljaž Škorjanec has impressed the nation with his impeccable footwork, charming personality and dashing good looks.

First appearing on the popular BBC show in 2013, the professional dancer went on to win the series in the same year alongside Abbey Clancy.

In March 2022, the 32 year old left fans stunned when he decided to leave the BBC ballroom to focus on his family and other pursuits.

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But as well as his flourishing career, Aljaž was also battling with aspects of his health which he opened up about in recent years.

Daily Star has taken a look inside the professional dancer’s health battles.

Skin condition

Professional dancer Aljaž suffers from the well known skin condition, Psoriasis.

According to the NHS, the skin condition “causes flaky patches of skin which form scales”.

Over the years other famous faces including Kim Kardashian and former Love Island star Olivia Bowen have spoken out about how the condition has affected them.

Dancer Aljaž previously shared how Psoriasis affected him last year and when he first discovered that his skin was going through changes.

Reflecting back on when he was 18 years old, Aljaž explained that he had planned to leave the competitive world of dance but began to feel stressed during his time off.

He explained: “I was unsure what I was going to do and this huge void made me stressed.

“It was around that time I started getting odd patches on my knees, which then spread to my elbows.”

After seeking medical advice and receiving treatment, the dancer noticed that it came back again when he was 20 years old and soon realised that his symptoms were stressed related.

He said: “I was 20 and it was really difficult because I didn’t really fully understand why all of a sudden my skin was changing so drastically. It’s not really the most aesthetically pleasing thing to have.”

In 2021, Aljaž said he often talks openly about the condition to help others who may also be suffering.

He told OK!: “So many people have got in touch to say they suffer or have the condition and I can see the relief in people, in a weird way, when they see someone in the public eye having the same issue.

“My only purpose is to help someone else, nothing else, and to anyone else who does that, I can understand how self-conscious these things make you and how much courage it takes to speak about it.”

Mental health

Aljaž has also been honest about how Psoriasis has affected his mental health but he’s also opened up about his struggles with his mental health during lockdown.

The Strictly dancer explained how his wife Janette Manrara helped him through his darkest moments as he learnt to adjust to a new normal.

Speaking about his experience on Kevin Clifton’s podcast, he said: “What is there in life that can make me so unhappy that I can change my mood if I ultimately do what I love at the end of the day?

“When that was taken away because of lockdown, I was lost for a second there.”

Aljaž also admitted that he found the weather difficult when he was dealing with his mental health.

He continued: “It was raining every day, you couldn’t go out and it was a bit of a struggle, Kev.

“I’m going to admit it to you, especially for people who enjoy what they do.

The good thing was Janette was going through the same thing as well so we had the same issue. We talked loads about it. We helped each other through it,” he added.

Show cancellations

Earlier this month, Aljaž was forced to cancel a show while on his A Christmas To Remember tour, alongside his wife Janette.

Although the dancing duo appeared on stage around the country, fans who were hoping to see the pair at Belfast’s Waterfront Hall were left disappointed when Aljaž had to pull out of the show.

Taking to Instagram to write a statement at the time, the dancer said: “To our Belfast fans, I’m sure you have seen by now, we are devastated that we have to cancel tonight’s performance in Belfast. We were so excited to come perform for you but, unfortunately, I am truly unwell and doctors have advised me not to travel or perform.”

He added: “We are working on a new date for Belfast so please retain your ticket for the new date or request a refund from your point of purchase.

“We are sorry but we hope you see you very soon.”

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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk