Strictly Come Dancing favourite Aljaz Skorjanec is returning to the dancefloor this autumn in a major comeback.
After two years away from the hit BBC dancing competition, it was announced on Monday that he would be back dancing again as a professional for the show's 20th anniversary. Struggling to contain his excitement, the 34-year-old said: "I could not be more ecstatic to be back with the Strictly family!
"This year is such a special one for this legendary show, I can't wait to be a part of it and make my return to the dancefloor." Aljaz, who is married to one of the programme's former professional dancers Janette Manrara, quit Strictly in 2022 after seemingly hitting a crossroads following nine years on-screen.
"A year and a half ago I hit an early midlife crisis and now I don't know what I want to do in my life," he explained at the time. "I love talking now, so I love doing Q&As birthdays, calls - don't make me dance but I can talk for ages." He added that he needed to "focus on other opportunities" that were thrown his way.
He also took to Instagram to reveal that he knew 2021 would be his last appearance. In a statement, he said: "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. 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 9 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!
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"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!"
Opening up about his 2024 return, Aljaz, who previously partnered with the likes of Abbey Clancey, Alison Hammond, Daisy Lowe and Gemma Atkinson, explained on The One Show that during his time off, he became a father, but that the timing now 'feels right' to be a part of the coveted show again.
The dad-of-one and wife Janette, whom he married in 2017, welcomed their first child, Lyra, in July 2023. The couple previously spoke of their difficulties in getting pregnant and revealed they were on the cusp of having IVF when "in the middle of the process, she kind of came along".
"I had an absolute ball during my nine-year stint on Strictly, during my time away I became a parent, which has been an exciting challenge in itself and now I'm ready to experience the Strictly magic again," Aljaz continued. "It feels so right to be coming back, I missed the fun, glitter and the judges of course and I hope to make my daughter Lyra proud."
Strictly's executive producer, Sarah James, said everyone was "so thrilled" about his return. "During his nine series he was a firm favourite with viewers across the country, I'm sure everyone is in for a treat as he joins us to entertain the nation for a very special 20th year of the show," she added.
It comes following the announcement of this year's full professional dancer line-up, which includes Dianne Buswell and Graziano Di Prima - however Giovanni Pernice was notably missed off the list. The 33-year-old was booted from the new series amid the BBC's investigation into claims about his 'bullying' behaviour in the training room, which Giovanni categorically denies.
Several BBC fans have hit out at bosses over the timing of their latest announcement, claiming that their decision to bring back Alijaz is simply 'a deflection' following Gio's recent shock exit from the show after almost a decade. Back in May, a leaked internal memo showed his name nowhere to be seen among this year's roster of professional dancers as it fuelled speculation about his departure.
The Italian pro had a dramatic last season, which saw him face controversy over his training style. He was paired with actress Amanda Abbington for the 2023 series, who quit the show halfway through. She later revealed that she had been diagnosed with mild post-traumatic stress disorder after her stint, while allegations surfaced from two other former dance partners of Gio.
Addressing the accusations and BBC investigation, Giovanni said: "To my fans and followers, Every week, there are totally untrue stories about me in the media. As you know, I have always rejected any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour. The latest accusations are simply false.
"I am cooperating fully with the ongoing BBC investigation, which will determine the truth. As requested, I have stayed silent, but I am looking forward to the conclusion of the investigation and ultimately clearing my name and establishing the truth. I am so happy to be back on tour. Thank you all for your continued support – you messages and love mean so very much to me. I will hopefully see many of you very soon and I look forward to clearing my name. With love, Giovanni."