Yahoo News Strictly's Aljaz Skorjanec reveals reason for show comeback
Strictly Come Dancing professional Aljaž Škorjanec has revealed why he's returned to the show.
The dancer initially joined Strictly in 2013, where he lifted the glitterball trophy with Abbey Clancy. He decided to leave the series in 2021.
In July, Aljaž announced his surprise return to show for its 20th anniversary – a year after welcoming his daughter Lyra with wife Janette Manrara.
Now, the dancer has opened up about his decision to return to the ballroom, and shared an insight into training for the show.
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"It is very, very special. A bit emotional, really, to get back into the ballroom and be amongst all those beautiful people who create the show," he told the Metro.
"It's a massive team of producers, people behind the scenes, in front of the camera, and it did really feel like home."
Having finished pre-recording the pro dances for the upcoming series, Aljaž reflected on the "full circle" moment when his family came to watch him perform.
"We were recording a number and Janette and Lyra were both in the studio watching it. That was one of the most special moments of my life so far, seeing them both there and enjoying watching me being on the dance floor," he said.
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"That was the whole reason for coming back. I did nine years for myself and for us, and now I get to do it for my beautiful little missus, and my actual missus – also little! It's a very, very special feeling."
Aljaž went on to explain that returning to Strictly wasn't at the top of his plans, but knew it was a "no-brainer decision" when he was approached by producers.
"Strictly has been such a massive part of my life, and it changed my life completely and I feel like there was nothing telling me not to go back and do it again," he said. "Stepping away from it for a couple of years put things into perspective."
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Strictly's 2024 season begins on Saturday (September 14) with its launch night, where viewers will finally learn which celebrities and professional dancers have been paired together.
The episode will also feature a special routine that honours Strictly legend Amy Dowden, who has returned to the show after battling breast cancer.
The celebrity cast for Strictly 2024 includes EastEnders icon Jamie Borthwick, Love Island's Tasha Ghouri, former TOWIE star Pete Wicks and ex-Coronation Street star Shayne Ward.
Strictly Come Dancing will return on Saturday, September 14 on BBC One, while spin-off Strictly: It Takes Two airs on weeknights on BBC Two. Both shows are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
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