Strictly Come Dancing pro thought he'd never return after lengthy absence from BBC show

Strictly: Tasha and Aljaž dance the Cha-Cha to 'Espresso'

After an absence that left fans wondering if he'd ever return, Strictly Come Dancing star Aljaz Skorjanec has made a sensational comeback to the hit BBC show. The professional dancer took a two-year hiatus to focus on family life, welcoming his bundle of joy, Lyra Rose, with fellow Strictly pro and wife Janette Manrara.

Aljaz opened up about his unexpected return during a candid chat on Loose Women alongside his 2024 dance partner Tasha Ghouri. With a blend of disbelief and excitement, he recounted: "Two years away, yeah.

"[Returning was] a bit surreal, to be honest. Probably about a year ago, on the sofa with a remote in my hand, I wouldn't have thought I'd be doing it again."

The dancing ace initially envisioned a different role for himself within the competition, potentially away from the limelight. Aljaz admitted: "Maybe as part of a band or the camera crew, but then when the call came I reevaluated everything, and being at home for a year with my little one was such a privilege and the best decision I've ever made, looking back now."

Fuelled by familial love, Aljaz is clear about his motivations for strutting back onto the dance floor. He shared with tenderness: "Now coming back, I'm doing it for my little family, I'm doing it for her. Getting the videos from Janette, her pointing at the telly going, 'Daddy, daddy!' it makes it all worth it. It's a special feeling."

He appeared on Loose Women with his partner Tasha Ghouri (Image: ITV)

Tasha and her Love Island partner Andrew Le Page frequently dine out with Aljaz and his spouse Janette, and dancer Aljaz shared: "This is my 10th year of Strictly now, and I've always found the best way to do Strictly when you have someone who's in a relationship or has a family, to do it as one big unit," reports the Mirror.

"I feel like everyone needs to be a part of it, because there's a lot of hours in rehearsals and a lot of time you're away. It's so beautiful to have that immediate support system really involved. We went for a double date with all of us and secretly I'm hoping Andrew and I go on a date alone!"

window.topArticlesScript="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/js/dist/article-top-articles20241008.min.js"

The pair chatted to the Loose panel (Image: ITV) SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

When probed for a "clue" about his upcoming performance, Aljaz cheekily remarked: "I could tell you everything, but then I'm going to get in a lot of trouble, like I do every series!

"It's a very upbeat style, and we haven't done that yet. We haven't done a very happy, outgoing song. It's fun!"

Strictly Come Dancing pro thought he'd never return after lengthy absence from BBC show

Strictly Come Dancing pro thought he'd never return after lengthy absence from BBC show

Strictly Come Dancing pro thought he'd never return after lengthy absence from BBC show

Strictly Come Dancing pro thought he'd never return after lengthy absence from BBC show

Strictly Come Dancing pro thought he'd never return after lengthy absence from BBC show