Strictly Come Dancing favourite Aljaz Skorjanec has announced he is leaving the show after nearly 10 years.
He is now one of the show's most recognised faces, having burst into Strictly folklore by winning in his very first series, partnered with model Abbey Clancy.
The Slovenian thanked the fans of BBC's flagship Saturday night entertainment show, announcing he has "lots of exciting stuff planned".
Upon leaving, Aljaz thanked his "beautiful" partners, who include Gemma Atkinson, Alison Hammond and Kate Silverton.
He said on Instagram : "Finally, thank you, the people that watch Strictly who have been so kind to me all these years. Every comment, vote, kind message never went unnoticed. You are the reason we all do it, thank you!"
Aljaz added: "I will fill you in soon. I can't wait to see what the future holds! KEEEEEP DANCING!"
Who is Ajaz Skorjanec?
Ajaz Skorjanec is a dancer from Slovenia best known for featuring as a professional partner in series 11 to 19 of Strictly Come Dancing.
The 32-year-old began dancing at the age of five and signed himself up for dance lessons without his parents knowing about it.
Aljaz has previously revealed his struggle with a skin condition called psoriasis, which causes crusty patches of skin that can become covered with silvery scales and "gets worse" when the Slovenian is on Strictly.
He told Morning Live: "It affects my confidence and self-esteem massively.
"We put in long hours, and the body is under a lot of stress, [so] it gets worse when Strictly is on.
"It's something you try and had as much as you can. It does beat you down, but I'm kind of over it. I'm sick of worrying about it. It's going to be there forever, so I'm learning to accept it. You can't have it all."
Who is Aljaz from Strictly married to?
Aljaz Skorjanec is married to fellow professional dancer-turned-TV presenter Janette Manrara.
The two have been married since 2017 and met at a dance studio in 2009.
Aljaz told Hello: "Our marriage works so well because of communication. We talk about everything and anything."
After he announced his decision to leave the show, he was supported in a statement by his wife who said she "cannot express the sadness" in her heart to see her husband leave Strictly.
She said: "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.
"He makes every single person he encounters feel absolutely special; ask any of his partners throughout the years.
"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."
What is Aljaz Skorjanec's net worth?
Aljaz Skorjanec's net worth is estimated by Hollywoods Magazine to be around £1.5 million.
Other estimates put his figure between £760,000 and £3.7 million.
It is likely that most of his net worth comes with the profile he has earned by dancing on Strictly, a role which he said "changed my life forever".
Bristol Live reported that the Slovenian is estimated to earn around £1,852 per post on Instagram.
Of his Strictly career, Aljaz said in his parting remarks: "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.
"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," he continued.
"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."
Aljaz danced with the following celebrities on the show:
- Abbey Clancy
- Alison Hammond
- Helen George
- Daisy Lowe
- Kate Silverton
- Gemma Atkinson
- Emma Weymouth
- Clara Amfo
- Sara Davies
