aljaz skorjanec posing against silver glitter backdrop

Aljaz Skorjanec reveals Strictly rehearsals have started despite drama

The professional dancer recently joined the line-up after a two-year hiatus

Content Writer

July 22, 2024Jul 22, 2024, 3:38 PM GMT+1

Strictly professional Aljaz Skorjanec took to social media on Monday to share an update regarding the rehearsals for the upcoming 20th series.

In a video message shared to his Instagram Stories, the 34-year-old, who returned to the show as a pro dancer earlier this month, said: "First day back on Strictly. Wow. I love it. I'm so excited to dance again."

Janette Manrara in a denim dress and Aljaz Skorjanec in a bomber jacket — Pro dancer Aljaz will be returning to the show for its 20th series

He continued: "I'm absolutely exhausted, it's not even lunchtime yet, but I'm so happy to be dancing again. I can't wait for the rest of it," before adding with a laugh: "I can't wait for lunch." Take a look in the video below...

WATCH: Professional dancer Aljaz Skorjanec reaveals Strictly rehearsals have started for the upcoming series

News of Aljaz's shock return emerged on 8 July, with the Slovenian-born dancer sharing an official statement.

Aljaz, who initially stepped back from the hit BBC show in March 2022, said: "This year is such a special one for this legendary show, I can't wait to be a part of it and make my return to the dancefloor.

parents holding daughter at first birthday party — The dancer originally quit the show in 2022 after nine years

"I had an absolute ball during my nine year stint on Strictly, during my time away I became a parent, which has been an exciting challenge in itself and now I'm ready to experience the Strictly magic again."

More Strictly

He continued: "It feels so right to be coming back, I missed the fun, glitter and the judges of course and I hope to make my daughter Lyra proud!"

Every Strictly Come Dancing winner so far

Rose and Giovanni with the Glitterball in 2021 — Rose and Giovanni lifted the Glitterball in 2021

2004: Natisha Kaplinsky (partner Brendan Cole)
2004: Jill Halfpenny (partner Darren Bennett)
2005: Darren Gough (partner Lilia Kopylova)
2006: Mark Ramprakash (partner Karen Hardy)
2007: Alesha Dixon (partner Matthew Cutler)
2008: Tom Chambers (partner Camilla Dallerup)
2009: Chris Hollins (partner Ola Jordan)
2010: Kara Tointon (partner Artem Chigvintsev)
2011: Harry Judd (partner Aliona Vilani)
2012: Louis Smith (partner Flavia Cacace)
2013: Abbey Clancy (partner Aljaž Škorjanec)
2014: Caroline Flack (partner Pasha Kovalev)
2015: Jay McGuiness (partner Aliona Vilani)
2016: Ore Oduba (partner Joanne Clifton)
2017: Joe McFadden (partner Katya Jones)
2018: Stacey Dooley (partner Kevin Clifton)
2019: Kelvin Fletcher (partner Oti Mabuse)
2020: Bill Bailey (partner Oti Mabuse)
2021: Rose Ayling-Ellis (partner Giovanni Pernice)
2022: Hamza Yassin (partner Jowita Przystał)
2023: Ellie Leach (partner Vito Coppola)

Strictly under scrutiny

Strictly Come Dancing has come under scrutiny in recent months following numerous complaints regarding welfare.

Amid the BBC's ongoing investigation into Giovanni Pernice's teaching methods, Graziano di Prima has become the latest pro to exit the series due to "gross misconduct" claims.

Graziano Di Prima in a blue shirt — Graziano said he 'deeply regrets' the events that led to his departure

His former dance partner, Zara McDermott, recently released a statement, noting her "distressing" experiences behind the scenes.

Taking to social media, she shared: "My experience inside the training room was very different. Reports have been made about my treatment on the show and there were witnesses to some events, as well as videos of particular incidents which are incredibly distressing to watch.

Graziano Di Prima and Zara McDermott are paired up on Strictly — Graziano Di Prima and Zara McDermott were paired together for the 2023 series

"I have wrestled with the fear of opening up – I was scared about public backlash. I was scared about my future. I was scared of victim shaming. But after a lot of conversations with those I love, I've gained the strength to face these fears, and when I was asked to speak to the BBC, I spoke candidly about my time on the show," continued Zara.

"The culture within our society makes it difficult for people to speak up, especially in a world where social media opinions and voices are so loud. This is something I've seen through working with countless women on my documentaries. I would like to thank the BBC & BBC Studios for their swift action and incredibly high level of support, as well as everyone who has reached out to me – it really truly means a lot. Love, always Zara."

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