Aljaž Škorjanec

Aljaž Škorjanec (born 19 February 1990) is a Slovenian dancer and choreographer, who is known for appearing on the BBC series ''Strictly Come Dancing'' as a professional dancer from 2013 to 2021, and from 2024 onwards.

Career

Aljaž Škorjanec was born in Ptuj, SR Slovenia, Yugoslavia. He is a 19-time Slovenian champion in Ballroom, Latin and Ten Dance. Between 2000 and 2008, his professional partner was Valerija Rahle Mbanwi.

''Strictly Come Dancing''

In September 2013 Škorjanec became a professional dancer on the eleventh series of the British television show, ''Strictly Come Dancing''. He was partnered with model Abbey Clancy. On 30 November, they received the series' first perfect 40 for their Saturday Night Fever-themed Salsa. On 21 December, they won the series. He was the fourth professional to win in his first series of the show. The following year, he returned for the show's twelfth series, where he was partnered with '' This Morning'' presenter, Alison Hammond. They were the sixth couple to be eliminated from the competition. For the show's thirteenth series, he was partnered with ''Call the Midwife'' actress, Helen George. They were eliminated on week 11 of the competition, leaving in sixth place.

For the show's fourteenth series, he was partnered with model Daisy Lowe. They were the seventh couple to be eliminated from the competition, leaving in eighth place. For the show's fifteenth series, he was partnered with actress and former model, Gemma Atkinson. The couple reached the finals, but they finished as joint runners-up, behind winners Joe McFadden and his professional dance partner, Katya Jones. For the show's sixteenth series, he was partnered with BBC newsreader and journalist Kate Silverton. The couple were eliminated on week 9 in Blackpool, leaving in eighth place.

For the seventeenth series, he was partnered with socialite and chef, Emma Weymouth. They were eliminated on week 7, leaving in ninth place. For the eighteenth series, he was partnered with BBC Radio 1 DJ and presenter, Clara Amfo. For the nineteenth series, he was partnered with ''Dragons' Den'' entrepreneur and TV personality, Sara Davies. In March 2022, Škorjanec announced he would be leaving the show after nine years.

In July 2024, it was announced that Škorjanec would be returning as a professional for the twenty-second series. On 7 September 2024, amid speculation suggesting Škorjanec left ''Strictly'' due to an altercation with a female colleague in 2022, he said he had taken a break from ''Strictly'' to become a father. He was partnered with Love Island finalist Tasha Ghouri. She was the 2nd deaf contestant to compete after series 19 winner Rose Ayling-Ellis. The couple reached the final and finished as joint runners-up behind Chris McCausland and his professional dance partner, Dianne Buswell. They broke the record for the highest-ever average in the history of the show and Anton Du Beke described Ghouri as "the best dancer we've ever had on ''Strictly''".

Highest and lowest scoring performances per dance

Abbey Clancy

On the eleventh series, Škorjanec was partnered with model Abbey Clancy.

Alison Hammond

On the twelfth series, Škorjanec was partnered with television personality Alison Hammond.

*Note: Donny Osmond was a guest judge for the third week

Helen George

On the thirteenth series, Škorjanec was partnered with actress Helen George.

Daisy Lowe

On the fourteenth series, Škorjanec was partnered with model Daisy Lowe.

Gemma Atkinson

On the fifteenth series, Škorjanec was partnered with actress and model Gemma Atkinson.

Kate Silverton

On the sixteenth series, Škorjanec was partnered with journalist and newsreader Kate Silverton.

* Score was awarded by guest judge Alfonso Ribeiro.

Emma Weymouth

On the seventeenth series, Škorjanec was partnered with model and socialite Emma Weymouth.

* Score was awarded by guest judge Alfonso Ribeiro.

Clara Amfo

On the eighteenth series, Škorjanec was partnered with radio presenter Clara Amfo.

*Score was awarded by guest judge Anton Du Beke.

Sara Davies

On the nineteenth series, Škorjanec was partnered with businesswoman and Dragons' Den star, Sara Davies.

Tasha Ghouri

On the twenty-second series, Škorjanec was partnered with model and television personality, Tasha Ghouri.

Dance tours and other professional engagements

In August 2024, Škorjanec and Janette Manrara announced appearances at the 2025 "Dancing With The Stars Weekends".

In 2020, Škorjanec and Manrara announced dates for their 2021 UK Tour "Remembering The Oscars".

In October 2020, Škorjanec announced a 2021 West End Show "Here Come The Boys".

In 2017, Škorjanec took part in the national ''Strictly Come Dancing - The Live Tour'' in 2017 and, with Manrara, announced dates for their 2018 UK Tour "Remembering Fred".

Personal life

Škorjanec is a fan of FC Barcelona. Škorjanec is married to fellow dancer Janette Manrara. In February 2023, the couple announced that they were expecting their first child in summer 2023. Their daughter, Lyra, was born in July 2023.

In 2020, Škorjanec explained his developing psoriasis at age 18, saying: "It affects my confidence and self esteem massively" and adding that it makes him self-conscious. Aljaz started to use natural skincare products and document his journey to raise awareness.

References

External links

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Skorjanec, Aljaz
Slovenian male dancers
Slovenian choreographers
Strictly Come Dancing winners
Living people
1990 births
People from Slovenska Bistrica