Janette Manrara has spoken out on her husband Aljaz Skorjanec's Strictly Come Dancing exit after he announced he was quitting the show after nine years. The professional dancer, who joined the show as a professional dancer back in 2013, revealed his news on Monday morning (March 28) with an emotional statement on social media.
The news will come as a shock to many of the show's fans as Aljaz is the second dancer to quit after Oti Mabuse announced her departure just weeks ago.
Aljaz, 35, shared the news to his gutted fans alongside a collage of pictures from his time on the show with his celebrity partners - including Alison Hammond, Helen George, Gemma Atkinson and, most recently during the 2021 series, Dragons' Den star Sara Davies - as well as another on the ballroom floor with wife Janette as she returned to perform during Ed Sheeran's musical performance in the final of the recent series in December.
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Before addressing his fans and thanking the show for the opportunity to appear on the hit BBC One programme, which he won during his first year with model Abbey Clancy, Aljaz reminded about the time he got the call telling him he was wanted on the dance contest.
"On a beautiful sunny day in May 2013 one phone call changed my life forever," Aljaz began his post before reflecting on joining the hit show. "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."
Speaking about his decision to leave, he said: "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!"
Shortly after, his wife Janette, who left Strictly as a professional dancer before the 2021 series and became the new host of its spin-off show It Takes Two alongside Rylan Clark, shared an equally emotional message alongside a sizzling picture of her other half showing off his ripped torso under a velvet blazer jacket.
"I cannot express the sadness in my heart to see @aljazskorjanec say goodbye to @bbcstrictly, but at the same time there is so much joy in my heart for what he has brought to the show these past 9 years. I have admired him from the day I met him for his passion for dancing, but more than anything for his kindness towards anyone he encounters.
"As his wife and best friend, I could not be happier to know that he made so many smile during his time in Strictly; not just those who were watching from home, but also those who work behind the scenes. He makes every single person he encounters feel absolutely special; ask any of his partners throughout the years. He IS STRICTLY and what Strictly is all about; taking someone who wants to learn to dance, and making them truly fall in love with it."
She went on: "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."
Aljaz made sure not to leave out Janette in his own statement, adding a segment which read: "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 Bublé, Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, BBC Symphony Orchestra.. moments I will keep in my heart forever. I LOVE YOU!"
Fans were left telling Aljaz and Janette that the show 'wouldn't be the same' without him while also sharing their well wishes for his future.
His now former co-stars have also been sharing their messages. Amy Dowden said: “Ali Ali Ali, you have no idea how much you are going to be missed by everyone! Your charm, energy, smile and most of all kindness,” she said, adding a crying emoji.
Oti Mabuse wrote: "I love you friend so much. You brought life and joy to the show," while Gorka Marques commented: "This makes me sad! Gonna miss you brother!"
