Strictly Come Dancing is back for 2022 and those settling in for a night of glitz and glamour might be wondering why Aljaž Škorjanec is missing from the line-up. The professional dancer has been on the BBC One show every year for nine years, but won't be taking part in the 2022 series.
It comes after Aljaž announced he was quitting the competition in March with a heartfelt statement. The 32-year-old thanked his dance partners and viewers at home and gave a special shout out to his wife and fellow professional dancer, Janette Manrara, who left the show in 2021. You can see his statement here.
Aljaž joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2013 and during his first year he lifted the Glitterball Trophy with Abbey Clancy. Other partnerships have included Alison Hammond, Helen George, Gemma Atkinson, Clara Amfo and most recently, Sara Davies.
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Aljaž's announcement followed on from Oti Mabuse, who announced she was leaving the show in February 2022 after seven years. You can read more on this here.
After his decision, executive producer of Strictly Come Dancing, Sarah James, 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."
Aljaž and Janette recently announced a Christmas-themed live dancing tour, which will see them come to venues throughout the UK in November and December this year.
Strictly Come Dancing continues tomorrow at 6.45pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. For more showbiz and television stories get our newsletter here.
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