Get to know Strictly Come Dancing stars Aljaz Skorjanec and Janette Manrara. Plus, discover a unique opportunity to enjoy a 5* Weekend dancing alongside the BBC One Strictly professionals
Who are Janette and Aljaz?
Aljaz Skorjanec – 2013 Strictly Come Dancing Champion with Abbey Clancy.
Aljaz and Janette latest news – In the 2024 series of Strictly Come Dancing, Aljaz was partnered with Former *Love Island* star Tasha Ghouri
Aljaz Skorjanec – Strictly Come Dancing Finalist 2024
Aljaz and Tasha started off their Grand Final with the judges pick – their Contemporary Couple’s Choice from Icons week to What About Us by P!NK. Followed by their stunning Showdance Sing, Sing, Sing, that would be at home on Broadway. Finally, their favourite dance, their American Smooth to Someone You Loved. Another perfect score, along with a perfect comment from Anton “I think you’re about the best we’ve ever had, an amazing talent”. What a way to end the competition for this fabulous couple.
On returning to Strictly for 2024, Aljaz said “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
Janette is presenter and co-host of BBC Two’s ‘It Takes Two’ along with former Strictly finalists Fleur East.
Who could forget Janette and Aljaz’s magical last dance on BBC Strictly Come Dancing in the 2021 finals. They danced their hearts out to Ed Sheeran who sang live in the studio, leaving everyone in awe.
Janette bid goodbye to the main show in 2021, and Aljaz did the same in 2022. Their departure marked the end of a remarkable 9-year journey on Strictly. Aljaz returned in 2024 with a bang, while Janette continues to present It Takes Two on BBC Two.
Learn all about Aljaz & Janette’s dancing careers, dance partners, and vibrant life both on and off the dance floor below, and don’t miss your opportunity to dance with these former Strictly favourites.
Strictly’s Aljaz & Janette chat about Donahey’s 5* Weekend Breaks…
5* Weekend Breaks starring Strictly’s Aljaz & Janette
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 7th – Sunday 9th March 2025
Final Double Bedroom remaining, Beginner or Improver workshop places – don’t miss out!
Alton Towers Resort Hotel,
Staffordshire
⭐ Join Strictly Stars Aljaz Skorjanec & Janette Manrara, Kai Widdrington & Michelle Tsiakkas, Jowita Przystal & Undefeated 5 x DWTS Italian Champion Pasquale La Rocca, British Dance Champion Finalists David Cockram & Rosie Ward, Argentine Tango Stars Letitia & Andres, plus The Tony Greenwood 15-piece Big Band ⭐
Aljaz Skorjanec & Janette Manrara’s review Donahey’s 5* Weekend Breaks
‘What an amazing weekend! Thank you so much for inviting us, we are so happy to be part of your beautiful event. A clear 10 from me!’ Aljaz Skorjanec
‘What a FAB-U-LOUS event to attend. A real feel good weekend, cannot wait to be back’ Janette Manrara
Aljaz Skorjanec Facts – Height, Age, Dance Partners, Relationships, Awards, Tours
How old is Aljaz Skorjanec?
34 years old (born 19th February 1990)
What is Aljaz’s height?
Aljaz stands at 1.83m tall
Where is Aljaz Skorjanec from?
Ptuj, Slovenia
Is Aljaz Skorjanec in a relationship?
Do you need to ask? Aljaz proposed to his wife Janette in August 2015 and they married in July 2017.
Not content with just one celebration, the couple married in style with a total of three weddings – London, Miami and Slovenia.
Janette and Aljaz have a beautiful baby daughter Lyra Rose, born 28th July 2023
What are Aljaz’s greatest dance achievements?
This cheeky chappy started 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 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.
Who was Aljaz’s celebrity partner in 2024?
Model and former Love Island Star Tasha Ghouri
Age: 25
Former *Love Island* star Tasha Ghouri was paired with *Strictly* favourite Aljaz Skorjanec. Tasha, known for her upbeat energy and passion for dance, shone bright with Aljaz, who brought a wealth of experience and charm. This pairing quickly became one to watch, with Aljaz’s expert guidance and Tasha’s enthusiasm they delivered stunning performances many of which saw a perfect score from the judges. The couple made it all the way to the final below are a few 2024 highlights.
Tasha rose to fame on Love Island back in 2022, in which she coupled up with Andrew LePage throughout her time on the show, whom she is still in a relationship with today.
Tasha was the first deaf contestant to appear on Love Island and has been raising awareness for the deaf community ever since. Since then, Tasha has worked with Number 10 Downing Street, The Department of Education and MED-AL to champion issues close to her heart. She is a published author with her debut novel Hits Different and has her own podcast called Superpowers with Tasha.
On joining Strictly Tasha says, ‘Pinch me, I can’t believe I’m going to be on Strictly Come Dancing! I’ve been watching the show since I was little – it’s a firm Ghouri family favourite – so this is a total dream come true. I know it’s going to be an unforgettable experience and I hope to represent and make everyone proud out on that dancefloor.’
Aljaz came back to Strictly with a bang with celebrity partner Tasha who memorably said “dance is my pure joy”. Well you were in the right place Tasha! In week 1 Tasha & Aljaž danced a Cha Cha to Espresso by Sabrina Carpenter.
Aljaz and Tasha enjoyed a fabulous 35, the highest ever score for a week 2 Viennese Waltz. Craig said it was “the dance of the night” and the other judges were equally impressed.
The first couple to see the judges raise their 10 paddle, all but one (no surprise who) scored Aljaz and Tasha a perfect 10 for their cheeky Charleston in week 4. Shirley said it was “practically flawless” even Craig called it “a-may-zing”.
Aljaz and Tasha danced a Couples Choice to P!NK during Icons week. 3 of the 4 judges raised their 10 paddle leaving them asking What About Us, Craig? What about them indeed, a powerful dance, Motsi said Tasha made look easy. Anton said she was “exquisite” and Craig said it was “a triumph darling”. On they went to Week 8!
Blackpool was a huge week for Aljaz as it had been 5 years since he danced at the Tower Ballroom. What a come back. Aljaz and Tasha jointly topped the leaderboard with their intense Paso Doble with a lyrical interpretation. The judges weren’t “Torn” but we were still to see Craig dust off his 10 paddle!
Well there is was, proof that Craig had in fact been given a 10 paddle! And it only took until week 10 to find it! Aljaz and Tasha were awarded the first perfect score of the competition for their amazing American Smooth. The judges comments were nothing short of fab-u-lous as they glided into musicals week.
Aljaz and Tasha found themselves in the dance off in week 11. Much like Catherine Parr they survived! Their Argentine Tango to Ex Wives from SIX scored 38 from the judges, just proving how hot the competition was! Aljaz and Tasha were saved by the judges, sending them straight to the semi-final.
Tasha is most definitely a Natural Woman and a natural on the dance floor as she and partner Aljaz Waltzed into the grand final with a perfect score and Craig’s memorable comment it was “sick”. They showed us Something New, with a spicy Salsa but found themselves in the dance off. Reprising their Waltz the judges saved the couple with a unanimous decision.
Who has Aljaz danced with on Strictly?
Aljaz’s dance partners include; Abbey Clancy, Alison Hammond, Helen George, Daisy Lowe, Gemma Atkinson, Kate Silverton, Emma Weymouth, Ciara Amfo and Sara Davies.
Has Aljaz Skorjanec ever won Strictly?
Of course he has! Have you seen those snake hips?
Glitterball Winner 2013 – Aljaz won his debut series back in 2013 when he partnered Abbey Clancy and they were fondly known as the ‘A-Team’.
Find out who has won BBC Strictly Come Dancing with our full list of past Strictly winners from 2004 here – Strictly Winners
Aljaz Skorjanec Fact
You can have dance lessons with Aljaz at Donahey’s 5* Dancing With The Stars Weekends
Aljaz TV appearances
It’s reported Aljaz will be on Celebrity Antiques Road Trip and is filming it this Autumn.
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.
Find out more about Aljaz’s dancing profile on his official BBC Strictly Come Dancing profile page.
Janette Manrara Facts – Height, Age, Dance Partners, Relationships, Awards, Tours
How old is Janette Manrara?
41 years old (born 16th November 1983)
What is Janette’s height?
Janette stands at 1.52m tall
Where is Janette Manrara from?
Miami, Florida
Is Janette in a relationship?
As we mentioned in Aljaz’s bio, the couple have been married since 2017 and welcomed their first child together in July 2023.
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 the hit US series ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ and danced with Jennifer Lopez in the season six finale. 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 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.
Who is Janette’s celebrity partner?
Janette is presenting It Takes Two for a third year so no dance partner.
You can see Janette presenting BBC TWO It Takes Two every Wednesday & Thursday evenings, plus every other Friday.
What TV programmes does Janette Manrara present?
Janette can be seen presenting BBC Good Morning Live and BBC TWO It Takes Two.
Janette presents all the backstage gossip from the world of Strictly Come Dancing, with couples stopping by with exclusives about their upcoming dances.
Janette is also the official host of the 2024 Strictly Come Dancing Live UK Arena Tour
Where is Strictly It Takes Two filmed?
It Takes Two’s 2023 series comprises 60 episodes and is currently airing between September and December 2023.
It Takes Two is filmed at BBC Elstree studio facilities. VT content is edited alongside material for Strictly Come Dancing at Elstree post-production village.
Who has Janette danced with on Strictly?
HRVY, Julien Macdonald, Jake Wood, Peter Andre, Melvin Odoom, Aston Merrygold and Will Bayley.
Has Janette Manrara ever won Strictly?
Sadly not, in 2020 Janette made it all the way to the Strictly finals with popstar HRVY (Harvey Leigh Cantwell).
Janette’s first time in the final since she became a pro dancer on the show in 2013. Together Janette & HRVY performed some dazzling routines including their Jive, American Smooth plus stunning showdance to Boogie Wonderland.
2017’s pairing with Aston Merrygold and their exceptional dancing had them tipped as finalists, but they were shown the door in week 7.
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
Aljaz Skorjanec & Janette Manrara Tour Dates & Venues
Find out all about Aljaz Skorjanec and Janette Manrara’s Christmas Tour ‘Dancing In A Winter Wonderland’
Meet all the Strictly Come Dancing Professional Dancers
Learn more about all your favourite Strictly Pro’s here;
– Aljaz Skorjanec
– Amy Dowden
– Dianne Buswell
– Gorka Marquez
– Janette Manrara
– Johannes Radebe
– Jowita Przystal
– Kai Widdrington
– Karen Hauer
– Katya Jones
– Luba Mushtuk
– Nadiya Bychkova
– Nancy Xu
– Neil Jones
– Nikita Kuzmin
– Jowita Przystal
– Lauren Oakley
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
