Janette Manrara has issued a lengthy statement about husband Aljaz Škorjanec quitting Strictly, in which she admits to having 'mixed emotions' over his decision to walk away from the show.
After nine years on the BBC ballroom show, former champion Aljaz announced that he is walking away from the show that shot him to British TV fame back in 2013, when he won in his debut year alongside Abbey Clancy.
Aljaz, who starred in the last series alongside Dragons Den star Sara Davies, began his announcement by looking back on the phone call that 'changed his lift forever' when he asked asked to do Strictly. He continued: ""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.
"A little while ago I made the tough decision that Strictly 2021 would be my last."
READ MORE : Regan Gascoigne left in tears by dad Gazza during Dancing on Ice final
The news that Aljaz was leaving Strictly was met by widespread upset from fans of the smash hit show and it didn't take long for his wife Janette to give her reaction, as they get set to embark on their nationwide Remembering the Oscars tour.
Janette, who hosted the recent Strictly live tour, began: "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."
She too quit the Strictly ballroom, going onto become host of BBC2 spin-off It Takes Two and continued: "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."
Janette added: "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.
"Thank you for giving him all of the love and support you have these past 9 years…. And thank you @aljazskorjanec for always being my biggest inspiration in any and everything that I do. May that long continue. I love you, and you and I will forever and always “keep dancing”
Janette's post was met with plenty of comments from Strictly friends, with former winner Ore Oduba writing: "Mr Strictly @aljazskorjanec so proud of everything you have achieved brother…. Onto the next." Judge Motsi Mabuse and pro dancers Nakita Kuzmin and Johannes Radebe all reacted with love heart emojis, while former Dancing on Ice pro skater Alex Murphy commented: "A w I love you both! Huge congratulations and more exciting things lie ahead!"
