Aljaž Škorjanec is a Strictly Come Dancing Professional and 2013 Glitter-Ball Champion, Janette Manrara is a professional dancer, star of stage and television presenter. Discover Aljaz and Janette’s dance careers, ages, family and celebrity partners, plus where you can dance with them!
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 professional and former co-host of It Takes Two.
- Aljaž – Slovenian charmer, 2013 Glitter-ball 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.
Aljaz and Melanie didn’t Break Our Hearts with their cheeky Cha Cha in week 1. Full of personality and storytelling the judges all see lots of potential. In great hands Melanie needs to tidy up her leg action and posture. Motsi “adored what they did” and Anton commented on Melanie’s “exquisite timing”.
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 Strictly and continues to appear on stage and at a variety of live events and television projects.
Janette has also been announced as host of the 2027 Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour.
See Aljaž Škorjanec & Janette Manrara Live
Looking for tickets to see Aljaž Škorjanec & Janette Manrara live? Join them at one of Donaheys fabulous Dancing With The Stars Experiences in 2027, where you can enjoy dance lessons with Aljaž & Janette, watch their spectacular live dance show and enjoy a weekend full of ballroom glamour.
Aljaž & Janette will be joining us at Alton Towers and De Vere Beaumont Estate in 2027. Our weekend experiences include 7 hours of dance lessons with the stars, spectacular live performances, fabulous evening entertainment, fun Q&As, Black Tie Ball and a 4-star Resort Hotel stay.
“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
💃 Star Studded Line-Up – 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, Tony Greenwood 15-Piece Big Band
🛏️ Double, Twin, Triple & Themed rooms available
✨ Over half the rooms already sold!
📆 Friday 19th – Sunday 21st March 2027
📍 4* De Vere Beaumont Estate, Old Windsor
⌛ Early Bird £689pp Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
💃 Star Studded Line-Up – Anton Du Beke, Katya Jones, Julian Caillon & Alexis Warr, Aljaz Skorjanec & Janette Manrara, David Cockram & Rosie Ward, Team Warren & Kristi Boyce, Tony Greenwood 15-Piece Big Band
🛏️ Double, Twin, Deluxe & Deluxe View rooms available
✨ Over half the rooms already booked
Please note, we do not sell individual Aljaž & Janette tickets – Aljaž & Janette’s dance lessons and live performances are exclusively included as part of Donaheys fabulous Dancing With The Stars residential experiences.
How old and how tall are Aljaž & Janette?
| Dancer | Age (September 2026) | 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 | Joint runner-up |
| 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 | Joint runner-up |
| 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 Bare 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 progressed to the next week.
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 – and they progressed to the next week.
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.
- Former It Takes Two presenter and Strictly Live Tour host.
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 | Joint runner-up |
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
– 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 Widdicombe 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
