A huge show star is returning to Strictly Come Dancing.
Alijaz Skorjanec's return was announced 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 said during Monday night's episode moved over to BBC Two.
The professional dancer quit the show after nine years back in 2022, with his last appearance airing in 2021. He praised wife Janette Manrara, who left the show in 2021, in his social media statement at the time.
"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! The star, who competed with Dragon's Den's Sara Davies last year, admitted he made the decision that 2021 would be his last appearance 'some time ago.'
Are you pleased to see Aljaž back on Strictly? Vote in our poll HERE to have your say.
"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!
"Strictly also has the BEST backstage team - the hair and make-up 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. 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!"
Aljaž ended his message by teasing his plans for the future. "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!" It comes after Strictly bosses were left gobsmacked when plans for the show's 20th anniversary to be celebrated at Buckingham Palace fell apart, despite having the Queen's backing.
The BBC top brass had been in advanced talks with the palace about hosting a special episode inside its regal walls and reportedly deliberated on which opulent chamber would serve as the dance floor. However, discussions came to an end last month, only a few weeks following the BBC's investigation into Giovanni Pernice.
The show star, 33, is faces allegations of "abuse" by not just one, but three former dance partners. In the midst of it all, a Royal source maintained that the cancellation was due to "diary commitments and logistical problems". Yet, whispers persist that the BBC's probe played a part in the decision-making process.
An insider shared: "The Queen is, very famously, a huge fan of Strictly who has met many of the stars over the years and danced with them, too." Her Majesty was apparently thrilled by the idea of having Strictly cha-cha into Buckingham Palace, especially to mark its milestone anniversary, and wanted to be part of the festivities.
However, her strong commitment to advocating against violence towards women, a cause she's championed for over a decade, was something that could not be overlooked. There was a concern among some that hosting the show could cast a shadow over the Palace, given the current climate. Consequently, the planned partnership with the BBC was regretfully put on hold for this year.
Queen Camilla expressed her fondness for the dance show earlier this year, revealing: "We all watch it. I'm one of Strictly's greatest fans." Meanwhile, Giovanni, who has left the show, denies the accusations and is cooperating with the investigation. Palace and Strictly representatives chose not to comment on the matter.
Follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .