EXCLUSIVE: Janette Manrara has joked she is thrilled that her husband Aljaz Škorjanec is out of Strictly Come Dancing because it means she can spend more time with her husband
Janette Manrara is thrilled that Aljaz Škorjanec is out of Strictly Come Dancing early – but for a very good reason.
The BBC show has returned for a new series, and we’ve already seen some departures from the ballroom including Janette’s husband Aljaz, who alongside her celebrity partner Melanie Walters, left the show two weeks ago.
At the Daily Mirror’s Pride of Britain Awards last night, Janette spoke to us exclusively about how lovely it is to have Aljaz back home more now with their daughter Lyra, three.
She said: “It’s just the way the cookie crumbles. Aljaz has done it for so long, I did it for so long. We know that’s just how it works. Gutted for Melanie though because she doesn’t get to come back.
To see more of the stories you love from The Mirror and to find them easily in Google then make us your preferred source. Free and easy-to-do, just click on the link here to find more from The Mirror at the top of your feed.
“But hopefully Aljaz will come back next year and do it again. For her, we were really sad because it’s her only experience of Strictly. But on a selfish level, I get him at home which is lovely.”
As part of the huge changes on Strictly this year – including new hosts, a new format and also a change for Janette as Ellie Taylor replaced her and Fleur East on It Takes Two – Janette thinks the changes are a great time to try something new.
“I think with the two girls leaving, Tess and Claudia, it was a good opportunity for them to really try and change it up and revamp and give the show a new look. But I think they’re doing a great job! I’m really good friends with Johannes and I’m so proud of him. To go out there every Saturday night and do live television, that’s really tough but he’s been thrown in the deep end and he’s amazing.”
Janette also heaped praise on Emma Willis and Josh Widdecombe, describing the former The Voice presenter as a “goddess”, adding that she would love to be able to present like her.
Aljaz’s exit from the show might give them more family time, but he was gutted to see the end of the road for him and Melanie in the competition. On his exit from the competition, Aljaz heaped praise on his friend and dance partner Melanie.
“Thank you @bbcstrictly for giving me the gift of dancing with the national treasure that is @melaniewalters2025! I thoroughly enjoyed every single day in rehearsals and will cherish our moments on the Strictly floor forever. All the love we received from so many people has been heartwarming and so humbling! THANK YOU,” he wrote on social media.
Melanie also posted on social media following her exit and gave her biggest thanks to her “amazing teacher”.
“So sorry to be leaving the show. Huge thanks for all your support. Diolch yn fawr iawn pawb! All the luck and love to my fellow remaining contestants, and the biggest thanks of all to the beautiful soul and amazing teacher @aljazskorjanec,” she wrote.
Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: mirror.co.uk
