tan-go on
Strictly Come Dancing professional returning to show for 20th anniversary two years after quitting
Aljaz previously won the show in his very first year alongside a stunning model
STRICTLY Come Dancing star Aljaz Škorjanec is set to make a sensational comeback to the ballroom.
After two years away, the BBC has confirmed that the dancer will be making a triumphant return to the programme.
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Speaking about making the big return to the programme, Aljaz, 34, said: “I could not be more ecstatic to be back with the Strictly family! This year is such a special one for this legendary show.
"I can’t wait to be a part of it and make my return to the dancefloor.
"I had an absolute ball during my nine year stint on Strictly, during my time away I became a parent, which has been an exciting challenge in itself and now I’m ready to experience the Strictly magic again.
"It feels so right to be coming back, I missed the fun, glitter and the judges of course and I hope to make my daughter Lyra proud!”
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The news that Aljaz would be dancing once again on the show comes as his wife Janette Manrara stepped down from the programme in order to take up a hosting role on spin-off show It Takes Two.
Sarah James, the Executive Producer of the dancing contest, added of Aljaz's return for the 20th anniversary edition: “We are all so thrilled that Aljaž is back in the Strictly Ballroom, bringing his incredible choreography and passion for dance.
"During his nine series he was a firm favourite with viewers across the country, I’m sure everyone is in for a treat as he joins us to entertain the nation for a very special 20th year of the show.”
Aljaz first joined the programme in the eleventh series where he managed to win the Glitterball trophy in his very first year alongside model Abbey Clancy.
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The sizzling star has danced alongside a bevy of famous beauties on the contest including Call the Midwife star Helen George, model Daisy Lowe, Emmerdale's Gemma Atkinson and Emma Weymouth.
Aljaz will be hoping that he can replicate the success of his very first year on the show when he is paired up with a new famous face this autumn.
Joel Dommett's wife gives reason why she banned him from joining Strictly Come Dancing
His re-appointment on the programme comes in the wake of the highly-publicised exit of fellow pro dancer, Giovanni Pernice.
Gio was confirmed to have quit the BBC programme amid an investigation into his conduct whilst one of the show's leading stars.
Complaints by his former partner, including Amanda Abbington, were brought forward to the Beeb who have since launched an internal review into Gio's behaviour.
Giovanni Pernice Strictly scandal timeline
October 2023: Amanda abruptly withdraws from Strictly having already missed one live show. Her departure is announced in a vague BBC statement that 'wishes her the best'.
Giovanni posts a short message on social media addressing the exit, which read: "Amanda… I am so sad we can’t continue but I am proud of what we achieved and I am sending you so much love.”
Amanda then shares her own farewell statement on Instagram thanking co-stars but failing to mention Gio.
Giovanni's dad Piero insists there were no signs of a fall out and the pairing could have gone all the way. He praised his son as kind and polite.
November 2023: Giovanni is reportedly gutted by the situation and is considering his Strictly future as questions are raised about his conduct.
January 2024: Amanda's PTSD diagnosis comes to light and she demands CCTV from rehearsals to prove that Giovanni's training methods weren't acceptable.
The BBC issues a statement defending its duty of care to contestants, insisting it takes any claims of wrongdoing very seriously.
The Corporation stands by its man after emergency meeting
March 2024: Giovanni publicly states he has no intention of leaving Strictly in a TV interview with close pal Anton du Beke.
Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore enter the picture. Allegedly the two celebs, who were both previously partnered with Giovanni on Strictly, didn't feel the BBC took their issues with his methods seriously enough.
The pair have a closed meeting with Amanda where tears are said to be shed.
May 2024: We reveal Giovanni is leaving the programme after having talks with show bosses
He leaves the country with girlfriend Molly Brown on holiday
The BBC launches an internal investigation after three complainants instruct lawyers. A source describes it as a "nightmare situation".
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