Dan Walker delighted fans by sharing a look at Aljaž Škorjanec's return to Strictly Come Dancing. The show's former professional dancer caused devastation among fans of the BBC One dance competition in March when he became the second professional dancer to announce he was leaving before the 2022 series.
The 32-year-old, who is married to former Strictly pro and It Takes Two host Jannette Marara, shared the news via a statement on Instagram alongside a collage of pictures from his time on the show, including lifting the Glitterball Trophy with model Abbey Clancy during his first series.
Aljaž said at the time that he made the "tough" decision that Strictly 2021 would be his last "a little while ago" after nine years of competing with celebrities on the hit programme. The Slovenian dancer and choreographer later revealed that he had been having acting lessons and auditioning for roles "trying to get his foot in the door" of Hollywood.
But he will be back dancing soon as he's heading out on tour with his wife this Christmas. On Saturday night (October 22), however, it was all about Strictly and Aljaž was back at home as he headed to the Elstree Studios to watch the latest show, which celebrated 100 years of the BBC.
Former BBC Breakfast host Dan, who competed on the show last year and made it to the quarter-finals with Nadiya Bychkova, was also in the audience alongside Aljaž's last-ever dance partner Sara Davies, and other former contestants including Judi Love and Clara Amfo. Reigning champ Rose Ayling-Ellis was also in the crowd with some of her former EastEnders co-stars rooting for James Bye.
Dan, who now presents Channel 5 News, took his daughter, Jessica along with him for the special episode and made sure she got to meet as many of the show's stars - both past and present - as possible. Posting a series of photos on Twitter, Dan wrote: "After going to Strictly last night with my daughter… Dancing to theme tunes is rock hard. The pros are so talented.
"Nikita’s choreography is amazing. Friends are the best. The @SCDband are epic. @HelenSkelton is brilliant Hamza is unstoppable. @TonyAdams is pure gold."
He then added a follow-up featuring a selfie of him, Aljaž and Sara as well as a photo of Aljaž with Jessica, whose face had been hidden by a smiling yellow emoji. "Also… @AljazSkorjanec remains one of the very best humans on the planet," Dan shared.
"It was his first time back in the ballroom last night and it was lovely to see just how much affection everyone who works on Strictly has for him." Dan then added: "He also made Jessica’s night." Helen, who danced to the Blue Peter theme tune with Gorka Marquez on Saturday, soon replied, telling Dan: "Lovely to see you mr."
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