Janette Manrara has thanked her fans and friends for their well-wishes following her 37th birthday. Taking to her Instagram page on Tuesday, the Strictly Come Dancing star expressed her gratitude despite celebrating the day without her husband Aljaz Skorjanec.
"Wow.... waking up after my birthday yesterday and feeling so overwhelmed with love and joy for ALL of your messages," she said. "Although it was a strange one during a COVID lockdown, I have never felt more connected to all of you.
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"I shed a happy tear last night reading the kind words you all had to say about me. All I kept thinking is how grateful I am to be 37 years old, married to the love of my life, with the most wonderful family and friends, with the most AMAZING online community, and also still having the passion to chase BIG dreams!"
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Over the past few weeks, the professional dancer has been forced to spend time apart from husband Aljaz as they continue to adhere to the coronavirus restrictions during this year's Strictly. "I know this year has been tough for all of us, but my birthday yesterday was just another reminder at how much love and kindness truly does conquer all," she added.
"THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for every single message! I'm in awe at how much love and light there really is in this world for us all to share w/ one another always...."
The Strictly couple are living apart during filming restrictions
Despite not being able to hug or kiss Aljaz, Janette was surprised by It Takes Two host Zoe Ball, who revealed him as a guest in the studio during her chat with celebrity partner HRVY. "Hello, Happy Birthday!" Aljaz said from behind a makeshift barrier. "I miss you, I am so proud of you and I'm a little bit trapped here but I can’t wait to hug you."
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Meanwhile, the Strictly couple have opened up about being separated from one another for this series. "I do see him around the studio," Janette told The Sun.
"The hardest bit is when I do see him, my instinct is to run and hug him, but, of course, I can't touch him," she continued. "We've been together ten years almost, so it's a good thing those butterflies are still there. But it's so frustrating I can't do anything with those butterflies."
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