From the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom to the BBC Two sofa, Janette Manrara and Aljaž Škorjanec remain one of the show’s best‑loved power couples. Here’s everything fans ask Google about the dynamic duo – all in one place.
Aljaž and Janette are two of the most popular Strictly Come Dancing professionals, loved by fans across the UK for their chemistry, charm, and world-class dancing. Table of Contents
Who are Janette Manrara and Aljaž Škorjanec?
- Janette – Miami‑born “pocket rocket”, former strictly Pro and co‑host of It Takes Two.
- Aljaž – Slovenian charmer, 2013 Glitterball champion with Abbey Clancy.
- Together since 2010, married in 2017, parents to daughter Lyra Rose (born 28 July 2023).
What’s the latest news on Janette & Aljaž in 2026?
Is Aljaž back on Strictly in 2026?
Yes! After a two-year break, Aljaž returned for Strictly’s 20th anniversary in 2024 and is back on the dance floor again for the 2026 series.
Who is Aljaž’s celebrity partner in 2026?
For Strictly Come Dancing 2026, Aljaž is partnered with Welsh actress Melanie Walters, best known and loved as Gwen West in Gavin & Stacey. Melanie is swapping Barry Island for ballroom sparkle, and her warmth, comic timing and performance experience should make a joyful match for Aljaž’s charm and showmanship.
On joining Strictly, Melanie said: “Performing in Pantomime for the last 15 years, my Strictly ‘fix’ has always been watching in a dressing room rather than my front room. This year I am completely thrilled and happy to swap my fairy wand for sequinned dance shoes. I just hope I don’t follow Cinderella and leave one on the Ballroom stairs. I cannot wait to take part in this absolutely iconic show, it’s so exciting. See you in September!”
What is Janette doing in 2026?
In June 2026, Janette Manrara announced that she would be stepping down as host of BBC Two’s Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two, ending a successful run presenting the popular companion show after previously leaving the Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer line-up. Janette remains one of the most recognisable faces associated with the Strictly brand and continues to appear at a variety of live events and television projects. She also hosted the 2025 Strictly Come Dancing Live Arena Tour, entertaining audiences across the UK alongside many of the show’s favourite professionals and celebrities.
Where can I dance with Aljaž & Janette in person?
Join them at Donahey’s 5★ ‘Dancing With The Stars’ Weekends. Expect:
- Intimate showcase performances – glitter guaranteed
- Masterclasses led by the Strictly pros
- Photo ops, and ballroom glamour galore
“What a FAB‑U‑LOUS event to attend. A real feel‑good weekend.” – Janette Manrara
“A clear 10 from me!” – Aljaž Škorjanec
📆 Friday 5th – Sunday 7th March 2027
📍 4* Alton Towers Resort Hotel, Staffordshire
⌛ Early Bird £659pp Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
💃 Strictly Stars confirmed – Kai Widdrington & Lauren Oakley, Julian Caillon & Alexis Warr, Aljaz Skorjanec & Janette Manrara, Giovanni Pernice, Leandro Palou & Maria Tsiatsiani, David Cockram & Rosie Ward, Team Warren & Kristi Boyce
🛏️ Double, Twin, Triple & Themed Bedrooms available
✨ Over half the rooms already sold!
⭐ Join Strictly Come Dancing Stars Kai Widdrington & Lauren Oakley, Aljaz Skorjanec & Janette Manrara, Giovanni Pernice, Julian Caillon & Alexis Warr, British Showdance Champions David Cockram & Rosie Ward, Argentine Tango Stars Leandro Palou & Maria Tsiatsiani, Team Warren & Kristi Boyce, plus the Tony Greenwood Big Band at the fabulous 4* Alton Towers Resort Hotel ⭐
📆 Friday 19th – Sunday 21st March 2027
📍 4* De Vere Beaumont Estate, Old Windsor
⌛ Early Bird £689pp Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
💃 Strictly Stars confirmed – Anton Du Beke, Julian Caillon & Alexis Warr, Aljaz Skorjanec & Janette Manrara, David Cockram & Rosie Ward, Team Warren & Kristi Boyce
🛏️ Double, Twin, Deluxe & Deluxe View
✨ Over half the rooms already booked
⭐ Join Strictly Come Dancing Stars Anton Du Beke, Julian Caillon & Alexis Warr, Aljaz Skorjanec & Janette Manrara, British Showdance Champions David Cockram & Rosie Ward, Team Warren & Kristi Boyce, Argentine Tango Stars plus the Tony Greenwood Big Band at the impressive 4* De Vere Beaumont Estate ⭐
How old and how tall are Aljaž & Janette?
| Dancer | Age (2025) | Birthday | Height |
| Aljaž | 36 | 19 Feb 1990 | 1.83 m |
| Janette | 42 | 16 Nov 1983 | 1.52 m |
Where do Aljaž & Janette come from?
- Aljaž – Born in Ptuj, Slovenia, he started dancing aged five and is a 19‑time Slovenian national champion in Ballroom, Latin and Ten Dance.
- Janette – Raised in Miami, Florida, trained in Ballroom, Ballet, Jazz, Salsa and Hip‑hop.
Are Aljaž & Janette married – and do they have children?
Aljaž proposed to Janette in August 2015 and in July 2017 the pair held three weddings (London, Miami, Slovenia). Their beautiful daughter Lyra Rose was born in July 2023.
Strictly’s Aljaz & Janette chat about Donahey’s 5* Weekend Breaks…
Aljaz Skorjanec Facts
What are Aljaž Škorjanec’s greatest dance achievements?
- 2013 Glitterball winner (with Abbey Clancy).
- 19× Slovenian champion across Ballroom, Latin & Ten Dance.
- Lead dancer in the West End production ‘Burn the Floor’.
- 2024 Strictly finalist with Tasha Ghouri.
What is Aljaž’s favourite dance?
He can’t pick just one – Paso Doble for drama and Foxtrot for pure class.
Who has Aljaž danced with on Strictly?
| Year | Celebrity Partner | Position |
| 2013 | Abbey Clancy | Winner (1st Place) |
| 2014 | Alison Hammond | 10th |
| 2015 | Helen George | 6th |
| 2016 | Daisy Lowe | 8th |
| 2017 | Gemma Atkinson | Runner-up (2nd Place) |
| 2018 | Kate Silverton | 8th |
| 2019 | Emma Weymouth | 9th |
| 2020 | Clara Amfo | 7th |
| 2021 | Sara Davies | 8th |
| 2022 | No Celeb Partner | Did not take part |
| 2023 | No Celeb Partner | Did not take part |
| 2024 | Tasha Ghouri | Runner-up (2nd Place) |
| 2025 | La Voix | Withdrew due to injury |
| 2026 | Melanie Walters | Current couple |
Has Aljaž ever won Strictly Come Dancing?
Yes. He lifted the Glitterball on his debut series in 2013 with Abbey Clancy – the original “A‑Team”.
Who is Aljaz’s professional dance partner?
His wife, Janette Manrara.
What’s Aljaz’s favourite dance?
Aljaz loves both the Paso Doble and the Foxtrot.
When did Aljaz Skorjanec join Strictly?
We first got a glimpse of that oh-so-cheeky smile back in 2013 when Aljaz hit our screens and joined Strictly.
Does Aljaž ever have wardrobe malfunctions?
Yes – in Movie Week 2017 he lost a faux ear mid‑Charleston with Gemma Atkinson to The Jungle Book’s Bear Necessities. (He laughed it off – the show must go on!)
Who was Aljaž’s celebrity partner in 2025?
In 2025, Aljaž partnered drag star and cabaret performer La Voix, who became the first drag artist to compete in the main series of Strictly Come Dancing. Their partnership brought sparkle, humour and glamour before La Voix was advised to withdraw following an injury during training for Week 9.
Aljaž & La Voix’s Strictly 2025 journey
Aljaz and La Voix entertained us with their Jive in week 2, no Objection here, although Shirley would have liked to have seen more Jive! Anton commended the timing and performance levels stating La Voix is “halfway there”.
In week 4 Aljaz and La Voix hit us with their best shot at the Cha Cha Cha. Unfortunately La Voix lost her footing in the middle of the routine. The judges can’t help but love La Voix, however they had some less favourable comments. One of those weeks! The couple live to dance another day.
Aljaz and La Voix took a dark turn for Halloween week with their petrifying Paso Doble. Anton said “drama, atmosphere, thrilling, neat and tidy – Len would have loved it”. Shirley loved the quality of movement. Notching up an impressive score of 35 the couple were thrilled to be back in the running!
Aljaz and La Voix Foxtrotted into week 7 Making Their Own Kind of Music. Performance never an issue for La Voix, the judges thoroughly enjoyed the number. But they found themselves in the dance off. The decision to save them was unanimous – but some technical details to work on if they are to stay in the competition.
Who was Aljaž’s celebrity partner in 2024?
In 2024, Aljaž partnered former Love Island star Tasha Ghouri. The dazzling couple reached the Grand Final and finished as runners-up.
Find out more about Aljaz’s dancing profile on his official BBC Strictly Come Dancing profile page
Janette Manrara Facts
What are Janette Manrara’s greatest achievements?
- One of Glee’s principal dancers (2010–11) and part of the Glee Live tour.
- Featured in the 82nd Academy Awards opening number.
- Finalist on So You Think You Can Dance US (season 5).
- Strictly pro for eight series (2013–2020), finalist with HRVY in 2020.
- Host of It Takes Two and Strictly Live Tour.
Who has Janette danced with on Strictly?
| Year | Celebrity Partner | Position |
| 2013 | Julien Macdonald | 13th |
| 2014 | Jake Wood | 5th |
| 2015 | Peter Andre | 7th |
| 2016 | Melvin Odoom | 15th |
| 2017 | Aston Merrygold | 10th |
| 2018 | Dr. Ranj Singh | 10th |
| 2019 | Will Bayley | Withdrew (Week 7) |
| 2020 | HRVY | Runner-up (2nd Place) |
Has Janette ever won Strictly?
Sadly not – but she reached the 2020 final with pop star HRVY, dazzling viewers with a Jive, American Smooth and Boogie Wonderland showdance.
Where can I watch Janette on TV?
BBC Morning Live guest host slots
Does Janette Manrara still host Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two?
No. In June 2026, Janette Manrara confirmed she would no longer host Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two, having previously presented the BBC Two companion show after leaving the Strictly professional dancer line-up.
Who is Janette’s professional dance partner?
Where have you been? It’s Aljaz.
What’s Janette’s favourite dance?
Janette loves both the Rumba and the Quickstep.
When did Janette Manrara join Strictly?
The highly talented Janette hit the Strictly dance floor back in 2013 for the 11th series of the show.
Janette quit Strictly Come Dancing in 2021 following 8 amazing series on the show.
Janette Manrara Fact
Janette Manrara began appearing in Ryan Murphy’s Glee as a principal dancer back in 2010 after she wowed producers thanks to her performance on US dance competition So You Think You Can Dance.
Has Janette ever had a wardrobe malfunction on Strictly?
As if we’d spot a wardrobe malfunction. Have you seen how quickly this pocket rocket moves?
Find out more about Janette’s dancing profile on her official BBC Strictly Come Dancing profile page.
BBC Strictly Come Dancing
Find out more information about the BBC TV programme Strictly Come Dancing by checking out the BBC Strictly Come Dancing website www.bbc.co.uk/strictlycomedancing
Donahey’s Dance Lessons & UK Weekend Breaks are not associated with BBC Studios
Meet all the Strictly Come Dancing Professional Dancers
Learn more about all your favourite Strictly Pro’s here
– Aljaz Skorjanec
– Alexis Warr
– Amy Dowden MBE
– Carlos Gu
– Dianne Buswell
– Giovanni Pernice
– Gorka Marquez
– Johannes Radebe
– Jowita Przystal
– Julian Caillon
– Kai Widdrington
– Karen Hauer
– Katya Jones
– Lauren Oakley
– Luba Mushtuk
– Michelle Tsiakkas
– Nadiya Bychkova
– Nancy Xu
– Neil Jones
– Nikita Kuzmin
– Vito Coppola
– Aleksandra Isaeva
– Cristian Priori
– Lethabo Monametsi
– Maddie Ingoldsby
– Mark Karmalita
Meet the Strictly Come Dancing Presenters
Learn more about Strictly presenters Emma Willis, Josh Widdecombe and Johannes Radebe
Meet all the Strictly Come Dancing Judges
Learn more about all the Strictly Judges here;
– Anton du Beke
– Shirley Ballas
– Motsi Mabuse
– Craig Revel Horwood
