Strictly’s Aljaz reveals heartbreaking reason he hasn’t returned to show studios since quitting
STRICTLY’S Aljaž Škorjanec has revealed the heartbreaking reason he hasn’t returned to the BBC show studios since quitting.
The dancer, 32, left the programme earlier in March earlier this year.
Aljaž, who joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2013, revealed that he had made the decision to quit the show before the 2021 series, noting that he was “forever grateful”.
The Slovenian hunk’s decision came shortly after his Strictly pro wife Janette Manrara, 38, quit dancing on the show to become the host of its spin-off on BBC2, Strictly: It Takes Two.
But since the 20th series hit our screens last month, Aljaž has been noticeably missing from the crowds.
Speaking about why he’s not been back to Elstree Film and Television Studios in Hertfordshire just yet, Aljaž told OK! magazine: “It’s going to take a few weeks.
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“I don’t think I’m ready, I can’t do that yet.
“I’ve watched some of the dances back on telly because I love my fellow co-workers.”
He added: “It was different doing it without Janette. My job was very different.
“Strictly is the most incredible opportunity but sometimes I needed that shoulder right next to me for a hug. It felt really different.”
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Back in August The Sun exclusively revealed that the pair have landed a huge new BBC show.
The two were filming for Celebrity Antiques Road Trip.
An antiques expert on the show tweeted some pics with Janette Manrara– who he’ll be reunited with on the show to Strictly fans delight.
Aljaz, who danced with Dragon’s Den star Sara Davis on the last series of the hit show announced he was leaving Strictly after nine years earlier this year.
Aljaz said it was a “tough” decision to leave the show in a statement on Monday.
He added: “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.”
His wife Janette, who left the show to co-present It Takes Two last year, also shared a lengthy statement about him leaving.
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She wrote: “All good things come to an end, but with every ending comes new beginnings.
“I cannot wait for the exciting adventures life will have for him in the future because I know at the centre of all of his endeavours will be kindness and love for whatever he does.”