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”, now co‑hosts It Takes Two.
- Aljaž – Slovenian charmer, 2013 Glitterball champion with Abbey Clancy.
- Together since 2010, married in 2017, parents to baby Lyra Rose (born 28 July 2023).
What’s the latest news on Janette & Aljaž in 2025?
Is Aljaž back on Strictly 2025?
Yes! After a two‑year break, Aljaž returned for Strictly’s 20th anniversary in 2024 and is set to return again for the 2025 series.
“I could not be more ecstatic to be back with the Strictly family! 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” Aljaž Škorjanec July 2024
Partner & result 2024 – He reached the Grand Final with former Love Island star Tasha Ghouri.
Who is Aljaz’s celebrity partner in 2025?
In 2025, Aljaž is partnered with drag star and cabaret performer La Voix, best known for appearing on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK and Britan’s Got Talent. La Voix (real name Christopher Dennis, age 45) is set to become the first drag artist to compete in the main series of Strictly Come Dancing.
Together, their partnership promises sparkle, humour and glamour in abundance.
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”.
La Voix thoughts on joining Strictly 2025:
“I’ve performed for royalty, RuPaul and Simon Cowell, but nothing fills me with more excitement (and quite a bit of terror) than the thought of dancing in front of millions on live Saturday night TV. Strictly is a national institution and I can’t wait to get started. All that’s left to say is: good luck to my partner! Here’s hoping they can help me go from La Voix into La Danse.”
What is Janette doing in 2025?
Janette is to return for a fifth year hosting BBC Two’s It Takes Two alongside Fleur East, dishing out backstage gossip four nights a week. Jannette also hosted the 2025 Strictly Live Arena Tour.
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 6th – Sunday 8th March 2026
📍 4* Alton Towers Resort Hotel, Staffordshire
✨ Starring Aljaz & Janette, Jowita, Kai & Lauren, Michelle & Simone, Leandro & Maria, David & Rosie
🎟️ Early Bird £609pp Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
⌛ Don’t miss out – less than 50 bedrooms remaining
📆 Friday 17th – Sunday 19th April 2026
📍 5* Celtic Manor Resort Hotel, Newport
✨ Starring Gorka & Karen, Anton, Aljaz & Janette, Gio, David & Rosie, Leandro & Maria, Lance
🎟️ Early Bird From £719pp Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
⌛ Don’t miss out – less than 25 bedrooms remaining
📆 Friday 17th – Sunday 19th July 2026
📍 5* Celtic Manor Resort Hotel, Newport
✨ Starring Gorka & Karen, Amy & Carlos, Aljaz & Janette, Oti, Leandro & Maria, Aaron & Niamh
⌛ Early Bird £709pp Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
How old and how tall are Aljaž & Janette?
Dancer | Age (2025) | Birthday | Height |
Aljaž | 35 | 19 Feb 1990 | 1.83 m |
Janette | 41 | 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 |
2024 | Tasha Ghouri | Runner-up (2nd Place) |
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!)
Highlights from Aljaz & …….’s Strictly 2025 Journey
As soon as Aljaz hits the dance floor, we’ll bring you the standout moments, Judges’ scores, and fan-favourite performances — all right here.
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 Two – It Takes Two: Wed & Thu evenings (plus alternate Fridays)
BBC Morning Live guest host slots
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
– Oti Mabuse
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