Aljaz Skorjanec is waltz-ing back to Strictly Come Dancing, but fans are curious about his previous departure.
The ballroom sensation, aged 34, took a break from the sparkles and sequins in March 2022, after a dazzling nine-year tenure, only to reveal on July 8 that he's set for a return in the shows 22nd run. During his time on Strictly, Aljaz swept celebrities like Abbey Clancey, Alison Hammond, Daisy Lowe, and Gemma Atkinson across the dance floor.
In his 2022 announcement, Aljaz expressed his deep appreciation for the show which brought a whirlwind of change since "a beautiful sunny day in 2013."
Delving into his decision to initially hang up his dancing shoes, the husband of Janette Manrara divulged: "A year and a half ago I hit an early midlife crisis and now I don't know what I want to do in my life."
Preferring discourse over dance steps, Aljaz said: "I love talking now, so I love doing QandAs birthdays, calls - don't make me dance but I can talk for ages," and acknowledged his desire to "focus on other opportunities," that came knocking. Taking to Instagram previously, he let slip that he had earmarked 2021 as his final bow, reports the Mirror.
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In a heartfelt statement, he revealed: "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 @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."
He continued: "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!".
He concluded by saying: "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! ".
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After a two-year hiatus, he could barely contain his excitement as he confirmed his return to the "legendary show". He exclaimed: "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 dance floor. 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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