Aljaž Škorjanec is leaving Strictly Come Dancing after almost a decade competing on the show, it has been announced today.
The Slovenian dancer announced the news on social media, where he took time to thank the several celebrity partners he has had during his nine-year stint, as well as the wider Strictly team and his wife Janette Manrara.
Back in November 2021, Manrara had taken to Zoe Ball’s breakfast programme on BBC Radio 2 to dispel rumours that Škorjanec was leaving, saying that he’s “too in love with the show”.
However, it now appears that the speculation was indeed true, as the ballroom and Latin dance champ has revealed he made the “tough decision” to leave Strictly Come Dancing “a little while ago”.
He is the latest dancer to quit the show, following two-time winner Oti Mabuse, who has secured judging gigs on rival broadcaster ITV’s The Masked Dancer and Dancing on Ice.
Here is Škorjanec statement in full:
“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 [BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing] as a professional dancer,” he wrote.
“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!
“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 [wife Janette Manrara]… 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!”
“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!”
Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One later this year. Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide to see what’s on tonight.
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