Aljaž Škorjanec has left fans gutted as he announced that he's quit Strictly Come Dancing after nine years. He is the second professional dancer that has announced he is leaving the show before the 2022 series.
The 32-year-old, who is married to former Strictly pro and It Takes Two host Jannette Marara, revealed the news on Instagram on Monday morning (March 28). Aljaž, who was born in Slovenia, joined the BBC dance competition in 2013 and during his first year he lifted the Glitterball Trophy with model Abbey Clancy.
Other partnerships have included Alison Hammond, Helen George, Gemma Atkinson and, most recently during the 2021 series, Dragons' Den star Sara Davies. His exit comes just weeks after fellow pro, and Dancing On Ice judge, Oti Mabuse announced she was also leaving after sevens years on the programme.
He shared the news via a statement on alongside a collage of pictures from his time on the show, 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.
"On a beautiful sunny day in May 2013 one phone call changed my life forever," Aljaž 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."
He went on: "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!
"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!2
Paying tribute to the show, Aljaž continued: "Strictly also has the BEST backstage team - the hair and make-up team, costume department, lighting, sound, props and special effects, camera operators… THANK YOU!
"My beautiful partners - Abbey Clancy, Alison Hammond, Helen George, Daisy Lowe, Kate Silverton, Gemma Atkinson, Emma Weymouth, Clara Amfo and Sara Davies. It's hard to put into words how many beautiful memories we have had. I LOVE YOU ALL!"
He also made sure not to leave out his wife Janette who quit the show before the 2021 series before hosting the BBC2 spin-off show alongside Rylan Clark. "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 Buble, Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, BBC Symphony Orchestra.. moments I will keep in my heart forever. I LOVE YOU!
"And 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!"
Aljaž ended the post: "I have lots of exciting stuff planned that I will fill you in on soon. I can't wait to see what the future holds! KEEEEEP DANCING!"
And fans were quickly commending to share their reaction at the news. "My favourite professional! strictly won’t be the same without you," @lilyimogen.xo said
@nessie_noos wrote: "Oh @aljazskorjanec going to miss you so much on this show. You always have a smile on your face, it wont be the same without Alijaz."
"It will never be the same without you I am devastated about your decision but good luck in your future you were strictly the best," @ moirabache commented.
@anitaharbinson22 shared: "Absolutely gutted I wish you all the best for the future." "I will miss seeing you sooooo much," @hayestracey cried.
@gib.beth added: "So sad to read this, my favourite dancer, you have been amazing and such a pleasure to watch."
Sarah James, Executive Producer of Strictly Come Dancing, said: "We are so sad to be saying goodbye to Aljaž after almost a decade as a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing. Since lifting the glitterball with Abbey Clancy in his debut series he has become a firm favourite with viewers across the country.
"During his nine series he has provided us with some unforgettable moments on the show through his incredible choreography, passion for dance and heart of gold. He will be missed by his Strictly family, both on and off the dancefloor, and we wish him only the very best as he embarks on his next chapter."
