are professional dancers on BBC Strictly Come Dancing and previously danced together in sensational West End show ‘Burn the Floor’.
Aljaz Skorjanec
Strictly Come Dancing Champion 2013
Hunky male dancer Aljaz from Slovenia is a 19-time Slovenian champion in Ballroom, Latin and Ten dance
Miami born Janette has starred in hit US series So You Think You Can Dance.
Janette Manrara
Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Champion 2018
In August 2015 Aljaz popped the question and we’re thrilled to say Janette said ‘Yes’. Janette & Aljaz were married in London in July 2017 with celebrations in London, Miami & Slovenia.
The 2018 series of Strictly saw Aljaz partnered with TV broadcaster and journalist, Kate Silverton, and Janette partnered with NHS Doctor and TV presenter, Dr Ranj Singh.
Kate & Aljaz made it all the way to Blackpool for week 9. During the series they have performed some fabulous routines, including their Viennesse Waltz and of course the beautiful American Smooth at Blackpool Tower Ballroom – sadly they were eliminated from the competition at Blackpool
Sadly Dr Ranj & Janette left the competition on week 7. Together they brought us some memorable performances, including their Samba on week 7 – we missed the lovely Janette and her amazing choreography.
Learn all about Aljaz & Janette’s amazing dancing career, view photos & videos plus read all their latest news below
4* Weekend Breaks Starring Aljaz Skorjanec and Janette Manrara
Who better to teach you to dance than professional dancers Aljaz and Janette? West End Superstars and sizzling hot Strictly Couple – you can meet the stars, learn their steps and be captivated as they perform a spectacular dance showcase up close & personal.
Friday 6th – Sunday 8th March 2020
4* Alton Towers Resort
Alton, Staffordshire
Join Aljaz Skorjanec and Janette Manrara, Anton Du Beke & Erin Boag plus more Strictly stars to be confirmed….
We have just come back from Celtic Manor, another Donahey’s fabulous ‘Dancing With The Stars’ weekend. The personal enthusiasm and love of dance by these Stars is infectious and their willingness to share all they know to help each one of us improve our dance and love of dance so unselfishly is truly humbling and hugely appreciated.Paul, Shirley and Amy Donahey and their team have been organising these weekends for over 50 years and are going from strength to strength with immaculate organisation at every stage. A Dance on Friday night and a Ball on Saturday night with a Live band to practise your skills. Also, exceptional show dances by the Stars as part of the evenings. How often do we have these opportunities?Be truly inspired by Strictly and World professionals and have Work Shops with them. Wonderful weekends, this is our third and we have already booked another. Unsurpassed in terms of getting along side the professionals whether you are a beginner or already have dance experience.If you are looking to learn or improve your Dancing a Donahey’s weekend is definitely for you. Highly recommended.Bob & Sue.
Bob Evans
08:20 17 Jul 19
My wife and I were a little apprehensive about our dance weekend (we were seriously in the beginner category!) but the whole experience was amazing from start to finish. The venue was magnificent, the DONAHEYS team were brilliant, with the whole thing organised to run like a Swiss watch. The teachers were great and all the lessons were delivered with enthusiasm and patience to a group of people who occasionally struggle to remember left and right, and as for the showcases, there is nothing to say except WOW! They had to be seen to be believed. Thank you so much Paul, Shirley and Amy, and the whole team. We are booked in for a local dance lesson tomorrow, so we've well and truly caught the bug to move from armchair dance fans to enthusiastic amateurs! We will definitely be returning to a DONAHEYS weekend again in the future.
giles larkins
10:16 13 Jul 19
First time we have attended this event run by the Donahey’s team, have to say it was not what we expected. The show dances alone was worth the cost, spectacular performances from every dancer.The accommodation and meals provided at Celtic Manor was also first class. Our room was good, plenty big enough and clean.Special mention goes to Paul, Shirley and all of the Donahey’s team, who assisted our “beginners”group throughout the workshops and in the evening when you ventured out onto the dance floor, providing advice and demonstrating the steps you had been taught earlier but had forgotten!Wonderful weekend, full on, we have booked again for next year.We have also been inspired to seek out a local dance club to continue dancing.
Ian Bodell
07:41 11 Jul 19
This is our third year with Paul and the team and the weekends just get better every time! Celtic Manor was the most wonderful venue to stage such a great experience. The team are always well organised and welcoming. We moved up to ‘blue bands’ this time so we’re a little bit nervous but we had absolutely no need to be. Each workshop was tailored perfectly. The Strictly stars were of course fantastic in their workshops and showcases but all the workshops are.We have already booked for next year and look forward to it immensely- we’ll done team and thank you all so much - again!
Kathy Hardy
05:05 10 Jul 19
We have just returned from a lovely weekend at the Celtic Manor. We met up with several couples from our local dance school with differing levels of experience. The Friday evening started with a lovely meal followed by a waltz workshop with Anton and Erin, a very nice routine. Saturdays highlight was a workshop with Neil and Katya, a bonkers cha cha routine we loved. The evenings show dance finished with everyone on the dance floor with them both doing Gangnam Style, wow.Oti was tasked with a rumba workshop. This is one dance where technique is so important. This was very well demonstrated and one of my favourites to dance. Janette and Aljaz took a slightly different angle with their slow foxtrot workshop. Plenty of technique in a useful routine. This was great to see, slow foxtrot requires a smooth style and the couples all looking fabulous at the end of it. The following show dance was brilliant with a great mix of styles. A special mention to the pro dancers Argo Oblikas & Alessia D’Orazi helping in the workshops. They were brilliant, I even had a little cha cha with Alessia which was really helpful. I would highly recommend this weekend for beginners in particular as it gives a good introduction to ballroom dancing with workshops and shows, and the chance to see the Strictly stars too. It's a hard working team too that make it a very fun weekend.
Andy Walker
16:44 09 Jul 19
I went to three weekends this summer. That shows just how enjoyable Dancing With The Stars is. Would go more often if there were more weekends available. Have already booked next year.
David Wares
16:41 09 Jul 19
What another fantastic weekend at Celtic the Donaheys are really fabulous nothing is too much trouble it was our second visit there and we have already booked for next year at Windsor I would like to say a big thank you to Paul and the family and in particular Tracy from the team she was fantastic to me can't wait for March keep dancing x
Kim Crilly
19:04 08 Jul 19
We first did a Donaheys weekend five years ago, with just 4 of us. This year we were a group of 10 and we’ve already booked next year with 12!!!! It is without doubt, the best dance weekend ever and we can’t wait for 2020, to do it all again. The team are amazing and Paul, Amy & Shirley give 100% to ensure the event is unforgettable. Thank you all.
Roberta mott
18:24 08 Jul 19
Everything about this weekend was first class, well planned and executed. So much fun and the opportunity to be taught by the Strictly professionals and other amazing dancers was wonderful. I’d thoroughly recommend it and can’t wait to go again
Gillian Logan
16:23 08 Jul 19
Wow! what a weekend. Fabulous stay at the Celtic Manor Hotel, absolutely huge. The workshops with the stars were so easy to learn a routine and take away with you. We looked forward to seeing the professionals in action, but were totally blown away. The choreography that went into Neil & Katya’s showcase was exceptional. The dance with Warren, Kristi, Glenn & Coraly brought tears to our eyes, so moving. But for me the dance workshop with Alijaz left me drooling 😘. Don’t remember much about the dance but his personality and gorgeous smile has definitely made him my favourite. Their show dances were fantastic as the finale to the weekend. The whole event is suitable for all levels of dancers, from the very beginner up to the more advanced. Everyone fitted in together and there was plenty of room over the two dance floors to practice their new moves.
Tracey Spafford
10:02 08 Jul 19
The first one we attended was in April and it was a whole new magical experience. The July one this weekend was also wonderful. Value for money is an understatement. Paul and the Donaheys team are such lovely hosts. The Workshops are extremely good and the Showcases are simply out of this world. A very well organised event in a marvelous setting. Tears of joy and happiness awaits everyone. Tom and Tracey
Tom Shevy
07:56 08 Jul 19
What a fantastic weekend! Fun packed, entertaining with lovely like minded people, and a chance to meet and dance with the Strictly Stars! The weekend is well thought out and planned, and the Donaheys Team work tirelessly to ensure everyone has a great time - so good we have booked for next year!
Max Jones
08:54 24 Jun 19
We are still on cloud 9 a week after this amazing experience. From the very start Donaheys were so professional and organised with such precision to detail for every aspect of the weekend. The communication throughout was exceptional this weekend was amazing with the dancing lessons and the show cases in the evenings the strictly professionals close up in their showcases was breathtaking and to be able to dance to a live band was sensational . We can honestly say it is just brilliant and we have booked to return again next year and we cannot wait Gail and Karl Ballance
gail ballance
19:54 23 Jun 19
We have just returned from an amazing weekend Dancing with the Stars at De Vere Beaumont Estate in Windsor. The classes were brilliant and the showcases from all the professionals were out of this world, to see them dance up close in that way was fantastic. Paul and the team were great and looked after everyone really well, it was so well organised from beginning to end. We can't wait to do it all again next year at Celtic Manor. Thank you so much Donaheys!
Lou Etherington
20:23 18 Jun 19
An amazing dancing with the stars weekend. Superb organisation, brilliant workshops and breathtaking showcases. Everything was so enjoyable. For anyone who loves dance they need to experience a Donaheys weekend. Thank you to the whole team
Jenna Richards
19:28 17 Jun 19
1st time at Donaheys Dancing with the Stars.WOW what a fantastic weekend. With workshops for all levels of dance whether you are a non dancer just a beginner or advanced theirs something for everyone. Meet your strictly stars and watch the amazing shows they will blow your away. The whole weekend is very organised by the whole team and always around to help nothing is to much trouble.ABSOLUTELY FAB EXPERIENCE GO ON BOOK IT, YOU WONT BE DISAPPOINTED DO IT.R&A
roger griss
18:15 17 Jun 19
We absolutely loved our weekend with Donaheys, the staff, the hotel, the celebrities and our table friends were all fabulous, and although I concede I am clearly not a natural ballroom dancer, we have had a real blast, Thank You to all x
Kate Greenwood
17:57 17 Jun 19
Spent last weekend at Windsor Dancing With The Stars with Donaheys ,if you love dancing and making new friends there is no better place,friendly ,exciting,and lots or fun , lots of love John and Tracy Daly.
John Daly
13:19 17 Jun 19
What a totally fabulous weekend. All the strictly stars, showcases, classes were wonderful. Ballroom looked lovely and to dance in there was wonderful. The event is run with precision by the Donahey's Team. They are all friendly, helpful and happy to answer any questions you have. A well deserved 5* and I have already booked to return next year. Thank you Team Donahey!
Anita Cadogan
12:02 17 Jun 19
ingrid day
12:08 12 May 19
Amazing weekend! So good we have already booked for the same one next year! The Donahey’s team work amazingly hard to ensure everything goes smoothly, and it is so very well organised. The stars are brilliant, both in their showcase dances and especially their teaching, explaining everything so well you can’t fail to pick up the routines! Bring on next year when we hope to learn even more!!
David Hartley
07:29 12 May 19
Another fabulous weekend with Donaheys. Smooth organisation, beautiful venue and wonderful dancing, let alone the terrific teachers. Booked again for next year and we can't wait to go back. John & Miriam
Dr John Dennehy
09:24 10 May 19
Carol McAllister
10:47 03 May 19
A huge Thank You to Paul and the whole Donaheys team. Just back from an amazing experience at Celtic Manor. The organisation, the workshops and the showcase evenings where truly spectacular. We enjoyed every minute. The hotel and staff are first class. All the strictly stars, professionals and experienced teachers made the workshops interesting, challenging and fun. we came away with new steps from each of them. Already booked for next year. The weekend is good value for money, and worth every penny. We enjoyed it so much we extended our stay. You have a fantastic team working with you. Well done to all of them and again THANK YOU.
Deborah Lisle
19:39 02 May 19
We have just arrived home after a weekend with the stars at Celtic Manor Resort. Was our first time and as absolute beginners. Such an amazing few days. Everybody was so friendly and helpful.. The lessons with the professionals were good fun, and the interaction was fab. The showcases were stunning, one particular dance had me in tears. was fantastic to see the dancing so close up. We enjoyed putting our new found routines to practise on the dance floor both Friday and Saturday evening, especially Saturday at The Ball. Dancing to a live band was amazing. We did not want to come home on the Sunday. We have rebooked for next year at Windsor as closer to home. Great job Donaheys. No doubt our friends will be sick of us raving about this weekend but I cannot recommend it enough. FAB-U-LOUS DARLING. X
Angela Bedborough
17:45 01 May 19
We loved every moment of our first Dancing with the Stars Weekend at the superb Celtic Manor Hotel, Newport.Being taught by the Strictly Stars and World Champion dancers was a fabulous experience, and watching them showcase their own dances was breathtaking, as they glided around the amazing ballroom.The whole weekend was beautifully organised by Paul, Amy, Shirley and the team and Vicky was such a help to us too.A truly memorable weekend !
Elaine Keith-Hill
13:33 01 May 19
Just returned from our second Donaheys weekend dancing with the professional from strictly . Can not fault anything.....from the hotel (Celic Manor), the food, the service, the Donaheys team and of course the pros from strictly. AMAZING .......The workshops were great fun, we managed well even though we're more ballroom ( sequence ) than Latin but the pros had the routines well planned. Re-booked immediately for next year at Beuamont Grange 💃🎶💃🎶💃🎶Keeeeeeep Dancing
Jo Burns
10:25 01 May 19
Brilliant weekend yet again. So good I had already booked to go back twice this year. Atmosphere, lessons and the show dances by Strictly stars are outstanding. Already booked again for next year.
David Wares
07:34 01 May 19
Another fabulous Donahey's Dancing with the Stars weekend. The Workshops led by the Strictly Stars and Championship dancers were entertaining and informative and the showcases were amazing. We attended Alton Towers last year, which we enjoyed tremendously, but this was our first time at the Celtic Manor and have to say that this venue, food and staff were all first rate. The hotel was easy to navigate and nothing was too much trouble. The Donahey's team are so friendly and helpful. Our weekend was superb and was well worth the outlay and journey. We would like to say a very big "thank you" to Paul and his team for all the hard work before and during the weekend to create a smooth running and enjoyable event. Just need to keep practicing all the new steps we have been taught. Congratulations on another excellent weekend. See you all next year!! Colin & Maureen Barker
Maureen Barker
15:34 30 Apr 19
Another fabulous Donahey's Dancing with the Stars weekend. The Workshops led by the Strictly Stars and Championship dancers were entertaining and informative and the showcases were amazing. We attended Alton Towers last year, which we enjoyed tremendously, but this was our first time at the Celtic Manor and have to say that this venue, food and staff were all first rate. The hotel was easy to navigate and nothing was too much trouble. The Donahey's team are so friendly and helpful. Our weekend was superb and was well worth the outlay and journey. We would like to say a very big "thank you" to Paul and his team for all the hard work before and during the weekend to create a smooth running and enjoyable event. Just need to keep practicing all the new steps we have been taught. Congratulations on another excellent weekend. See you all next year!!
Maureen Barker
15:01 30 Apr 19
Our first Dancing with the Stars weekend, it was fab-u-lous. As absolute beginners we are leaving with the basic steps for Foxtrot, Waltz, Cha Cha, Argentine tango, Rumba, Quickstep and Jive. Now we just have to Keep Dancing!
yvonne loose
10:18 28 Apr 19
It was a really good weekend that we thoroughly enjoyed. It was well organised and kept you going with just about enough breaks. The show cases were excellent and some of the stars were well prepared to talk to the audience during the change over times. A highly recommended weekend for dance lovers.
alan mcclellan
14:41 09 Apr 19
This was a truly spectacular weekend.Donaheys and Alton Towers were extremely organised and everything ran smoothly.The dance classes were excellent (though we struggled with the Argentine Tango).Dancing with the Strictly Stars was amazing. All of the stars were so friendly and excellent teachers.However, a special shout out is required for Tony Bennett who took the Samba and Tango classes. What a fabulous teacher. I would pay for a weekend of lessons just with him.The three shows were breathtaking. The price paid for the weekend would be worth it for the shows alone.The weekend was a wonderful experience and I would highly recommend to dancers of any level.Thanks to Donaheys!
Sarah Brian
18:27 18 Mar 19
This was our 4th Donaheys weekend and the 3rd atthe Alton Towers resort. Over the years we have been fortunate to have been to some excellent workshops, but this has to be the best year yet. Equally, we’ve previously been able to provide some constructive feedback for the resort, but NOT THIS YEAR. Truly excellent all round. Alton Towers staff very professional on check in and in the restaurant. Check out was seamless, just dropping off the room keys. Car park better marked out. Food in the restaurant even better than previous years. ALWAYS had gluten free options available. 7 dance classes over Friday, Saturday and Sunday, in 2 ballrooms with the large ballroom having a truly excellent floor. 3 shows (2 evening and 1 on Sunday lunch). Friday night’ show was superb, as was Sunday’s, but Saturday night’s was worth the money alone. Truly outstanding. So hats off to all involved. Already booked for next year.
Tony Dyson
18:12 16 Mar 19
Another brilliant weekend. Well done all. Can't wait for next year, already looking at new dresses. What can I say - brilliant lessons, meeting the stars from Strictly, dancing the night away on the best dance floor ever - add to that a big band, friendly helpful staff and a nice venue - what else could you want from a weekend. Oh, to remember what you have learnt - that's covered too with videos. We appreciate all your hard work that goes into making these weekends so special. Thank you.
Susan Peacock
21:17 15 Mar 19
Our 11th time being part of Donaheys amazing dance weekends. We introduced 4 new people who all had a fab time & have already booked again for next year! We can’t recommend these weekends enough for anyone who loves dance, be it doing the workshops or simply watching the incredible shows. We shall be back in April at Celtic manor & are already counting the days. Thank you Paul, Amy, Shirley & all the team. Kay & Sean Escott
kay escott
13:29 15 Mar 19
Fantastic weekend and so much value for your money. Very high standard of workshops and feel so privileged to be taught by three wonderful Strictly couples and see their fabulous demonstration dances.
Colette Foan
13:09 15 Mar 19
As relative newcomers to ballroom dancing we weren't sure what to expect, but we shouldn't have worried. Donaheys gave us a fabulous weekend. The professionalism of the event was outstanding, from pre-information, joining instructions and weekend programme, super all round. All the lessons, and there's lots of them, were fun and within our ability and the showcase dances by the professionals made the evenings a "real night out". The hotel was everything that you would expect and were well looked after in terms of food and service. In fact it was all so good that we rebooked, before we left, to go to Celtic Manor next year. John and Caroline
John Spain
12:55 15 Mar 19
The weekend at Celtic Manor went way beyond my expectations. My wife and I are both beginners and never felt isolated or embraced one bit. The organisation of the weekend was first class, the participation of the stars was full on, not just a half hour hear and there, no a real interaction, very entertaining and extremely professional. The evening shows were absolutely stunning, again not just a quick 5 minutes, no a real performance with full audience interaction with question and answer sessions. We have been so impressed we have already booked for 2019 and have persuaded some friends to join us, this will be their first time. A truly fantastic weekend, very much value for money and one I cannot recommend enough. The Donahey family fully deliver what they promise, are interested in all skill levels and people, give time and energy to the weekend which enables you to really learn dances. Good fun and very memorable Thank you to all. Lloyd and Sue Snowden
Lloyd Snowden
18:27 24 Jul 18
John Penn
16:48 17 Jul 18
This our first weekend with Donaheys Dancing with the Stars. I love Strictly and I love dancing. I have danced for over 20 years but never been taught proper ballroom dancing. My husband also loves Strictly but has never, ever danced. We thought it would be a great idea to try this and it was our Christmas present to ourselves.We loved learning the different dance styles, although my husband found some harder than others, and it was absolutely brilliant to meet and learn from some of the Strictly professionals. They were amazing! We also got to learn moves with the fabulous ballroom dancers who were also amazing. The showcases were incredible and it was wonderful to see all these amazing dancers in action.I loved the social dancing too.We made some new friends who we are going to keep in touch with. We are all coming next year to Celtic Manor!My husband and I have decided to take ballroom lessons at home and are eager to make progress. We feel inspired!Thank you to the whole Donaheys team for a great weekend.
Melanie Riseam
14:31 27 Jun 18
We had a fantastic, memorable Dancing With the Stars weekend at the Celtic Manor Resort hotel. Everything was so well organised from start to finish. The Donahey team could not do enough to make our experience enjoyable. This was our first experience with Donahey's and it won't be our last. We had such a wonderful time that we booked again for next year.
John McManus
22:04 20 May 18
Such a wonderful experience!! Well organised, educational and most of all, fun!! We can’t wait to return for our 4th year!! See you in the blue group!!
Amanda Nash
14:52 15 May 18
An outstanding weekend in every respect. Brilliantly organised, great Stars from Strictly, lavish Showdances and lessons from the Stars. Learnt a lot, enjoyed myself immensely and though it great value for money. have booked for next year
David Wares
09:44 15 May 18
A truly incredible weekend, fantastic workshops led by Strictly Pros and world champions! Prepare to dance your socks off and be awed by showcase routines :))
Naomi Ibbs
16:48 14 May 18
The De Vere Beaumont in Windsor has recently been refurbished, and is now fine - good modern clean rooms, good food, and friendly, helpful staff. It's big, so there can be a bit of a walk from your bedroom to the centre of activities, such as the restaurants and ballroom. We were there in April 2018 for a Donahey's Dancing with the Stars weekend, which was well organised, and superb. Direct tuition from professional stars and world champions was excellent, and the show dancing blew us away. Altogether a great and memorable weekend. Jim and Hilary
Jim Steele
09:10 19 Apr 18
If you love Strictly and would like to learn to dance with the professionals, you need to book a weekend with Donaheys. From the time you arrive until you sadly have to say goodbye it is just the best weekend ever. ALL the Donaheys staff are so kind and so helpful. The dance workshops are such good fun. All i can say is, highly recommended! 😊
J N
17:41 18 Apr 18
If you’re wondering if you should attend Donaheys dancing with the stars weekend, the answer is yes, yes, yes! We have just returned from our first year there and it was so amazing we’ve booked again for next year. It is so professional, so organised and so well thought through. The Donaheys team are amazing and make it all work like a well oiled machine. You don’t need to worry about a thing, they take care of it all for you. Your days are jam packed full if you want them to be. Loads of workshops to attend where you learn from absolute professionals. The evening showcases are just magical and you also get a chance to practice the steps you learned that day.We were beginners and were treated with such dignity and respect. It was so much fun.Absolutely everyone we spoke to couldn’t speak more highly of the weekend if they tried. We loved it and can’t wait for next year.
Pamela Thomas
19:52 17 Apr 18
My wife Lorraine and I just attended the Donaheys Dancing With The Stars weekend at Beaumont House Windsor. As beginners we were a bit nervous of making fools of ourselves. But the whole weekend was a fabulous experience. The 7 beginners workshops were well run and great fun, including 4 taken by Strictly and Professional dancers. The evening shows were tremendous and included chances to practice the dances we had learnt during the day. The Beaumont House Hotel is a lovely place to stay, we had a very comfortable room and the staff were all very friendly. A great experience all round, which we may well do again one day.
Mike Smart
19:23 17 Apr 18
We had the most enjoyable weekend. It was well organised and we were able to attend all seven of our scheduled workshops.The workshops were excellent. The professionals commented that it was good to work with people that had a real interest in dance and this certainly came across well. They were fun and seemed to be pitched at an appropriate level for all the participants.The demonstration dances were again excellent and again were much appreciated by all the people there.We would highly recommend these weekends and were pleased to book a repeat for ourselves next year.Thank you to everyone who worked to make the weekend the great success that we all enjoyed.Dave and Jan
David Farmborough
12:45 17 Apr 18
Wow! wow!! WOW!!! First time attending Donahey’s Dance weekend and I was totally blown away! Far exceeded my expectations. Well organised, friendly staff, STUNNING dance displays, EXCELLENT teaching and GREAT location.
michael gaffney
11:53 16 Apr 18
5* would recommend to anyone simply FABULOUS
rhonda Brandon
16:21 18 Jul 17
‹
›
Aljaz Skorjanec – Strictly Come Dancing Champion 2013
From Slovenia, Aljaz Skorjanec is a 19-time Slovenian champion in Ballroom, Latin and Ten dance, he has successfully represented Slovenia in world Latin and Ballroom Dance championships.
Aljaz Skorjanec’s first series of Strictly Come Dancing saw him lift the trophy with Model and TV Presenter Abbey Clancy.
Aljaz has appeared in the Slovenian version of Strictly Come Dancing and in 2013 was one of the lead dancers in sensational West End show Burn The Floor.
How old is Aljaz?
29 years old (born 19th February 1990)
Where is Aljaz from?
Ptuj, Slovenia
Who is Aljaz’s celebrity partner?
Aljaz is delighted to be partnering TV broadcaster and journalist Kate Silverton. Together they have perfomred some amazing dance routines, including their sultry Tango in week 2
On joining Strictly, Kate said, “I love dancing and I love the joyfulness of the programme itself, so I am really looking forward to doing something I have never done before, which is to learn how to dance, take part in an entertainment show and generally immerse myself in a very different world to the one I am used to!”
Kate’s very happy to be paired with Aljaz. Here’s why, “Because as well as being a brilliant choreographer and having a great track record, Aljaz is fun, cheeky and, crucially, tall. I stand 5ft 10in in bare feet.”
Last year Aljaz partnered Radio presenter, Hollyoaks actress & model Gemma Atkinson all the way to the finals.
Is Aljaz single?
What do you think? Aljaz proposed to Janette in August 2015 and they married in July 2017. Not content with just one celebration, the couple had three and celebrated with family and friends in London, Miami and Slovenia.
What are Aljaz’s greatest dance achievements?
This cheeky chappy starting dancing at the age of five and is a 19-time Slovenian champion in Ballroom, Latin and Ten dance. He’s also successfully represented Slovenia in world Latin and Ballroom Dance championships, appeared in Slovenia’s version of Strictly and was one of the lead dancers in the West End show, ‘Burn the Floor’, in 2013.
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 join Strictly?
We first got a glimpse of that oh so cheeky smile five years ago when Aljaz hit our screens back in 2013.
Who has Aljaz danced with on Strictly?
Abbey Clancy, Alison Hammond, Helen George, Daisy Lowe and Gemma Atkinson.
Has Aljaz ever won Strictly?
Of course he has! Have you seen those snake hips? Aljaz won his debut series back in 2013 when he partnered Abbey Clancy and they were fondly known as the ‘A-Team’.
Has Aljaz ever had a wardrobe malfunction on Strictly?
Yes, he lost a faux ear whilst performing a Charleston with Gemma Atkinson to The Jungle Book’s Bear Necessities during Movie Week in 2017.
Janette Manrara – Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Champion 2018
Miami born Janette Manrara has starred in hit US series So You Think You Can Dance, and was one of the lead dancers in sensational West End show Burn The Floor.
How old is Janette?
35 years old (born 16th November 1983)
Where is Janette from?
Miami, Florida
Who is Janette’s celebrity partner?
Janette is thrilled to be partnering NHS Doctor and TV presenter Dr Ranj Singh. Famed for his appearences on children’s TV, Dr Ranj is juggling Strictly whilst working as an NHS doctor.
On joining Strictly, Dr Ranj said, “I’ve been a massive fan for so long, and I can’t quite believe this is happening, but I’m going to give it my best shot. Anyone that knows me knows that I love a bit of sparkle…so bring on the glitter! I can’t wait!”
In 2017 Janette partnered JLS singer Aston Merrygold, bringing such joy to our TV screens with their amazing performances.
Sadly on week 7 of the competition they were eliminated with their Vienesse Waltz – a real shock to all of us who expected this wonderful couple would easily make the final!
Is Janette single?
I’m afraid she’s already hitched. Aljaz proposed to her in August 2015 and they married in July 2017. The couple celebrated in style with three celebrations in London, Miami and Slovenia.
What are Janette’s greatest dance achievements?
Janette has studied Ballroom, Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Salsa and Hip Hop and was also a principal dancer on Fox’s hit series ‘Glee’, as well as the ‘Glee Live Tour’. As if that wasn’t enough, she’s also worked on the ‘82nd Annual Academy Awards’, starred in hit US series ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ and danced with Jennifer Lopez in the season six finale. And as we’ve already mentioned, she was also one of the lead dancers in the West End show, ‘Burn the Floor’ with hubby, Aljaz.
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 join Strictly?
The highly talented Janette hit the Strictly dance floor back in 2013 for the 11th series of show.
Who has Janette danced with on Strictly?
Julien Macdonald, Jake Wood, Peter Andre, Melvin Odoom and Aston Merrygold.
Has Janette ever won Strictly?
Yes, we’re thrilled to say Janette won the 2018 Christmas Special with the fabulous Aston Merrygold. In 2017 Janette was paired with Aston and their exceptional dancing had them tipped as finalists, but they were shown the door in week 7.
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 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 the BBC.
Aljaz and Janette’s 2019 tour ‘Remembering The Movies’ Dates & Venues
To give you the best possible experience, this site uses cookies. Continuing to use this site means you agree to our use of cookies. You can find out more about the cookies we use and opt-out if you wish at any time.
