Aljaž Škorjanec facts for kids

Aljaž Škorjanec (born on February 19, 1990) is a talented dancer and choreographer from Slovenia. He is well-known for being a professional dancer on the popular BBC TV show Strictly Come Dancing. He was on the show from 2013 to 2021 and returned in 2024.

His Dance Journey

Aljaž Škorjanec was born in Ptuj, which was part of Yugoslavia at the time. He started dancing at a young age and became a champion in Slovenia many times. He won 19 national titles in different dance styles like Ballroom, Latin, and Ten Dance.

Dancing on Strictly Come Dancing

In September 2013, Aljaž joined Strictly Come Dancing as a professional dancer. He quickly became a fan favorite.

His Time on the Show

• 2013: Aljaž won the show in his first year with model Abbey Clancy. They even got a perfect score of 40 for their Salsa dance! He was one of the few professional dancers to win in their very first series.
• 2014: He danced with TV presenter Alison Hammond. They were the sixth couple to leave the competition.
• 2015: He partnered with actress Helen George from Call the Midwife. They made it to week 11, finishing in sixth place.
• 2016: Aljaž danced with model Daisy Lowe. They were eliminated in week 7.
• 2017: He reached the finals with actress and model Gemma Atkinson. They finished as runners-up.
• 2018: He partnered with BBC newsreader Kate Silverton. They left the show in week 9.
• 2019: He danced with socialite and chef Emma Weymouth. They were eliminated in week 7.
• 2020: His partner was BBC Radio 1 DJ Clara Amfo.
• 2021: He danced with businesswoman Sara Davies. In March 2022, Aljaž announced he was leaving Strictly after nine years.
• 2024: It was announced that Aljaž would return to Strictly for the twenty-second series. He partnered with Love Island finalist Tasha Ghouri. Tasha was the second deaf contestant on the show. They reached the final and finished as runners-up. Their average score was the highest in the show's history, and judge Anton Du Beke called Tasha "the best dancer we've ever had on Strictly".

Highest and lowest scoring performances per dance

Dance Tours and Other Projects

Aljaž has also been busy with dance tours and other professional projects.

• In 2017, he joined the Strictly Come Dancing - The Live Tour.
• He and his wife, Janette Manrara, have created their own dance shows. Their 2018 tour was called "Remembering Fred."
• In 2020, they announced "Remembering The Oscars" for 2021.
• Aljaž also announced a West End show called "Here Come The Boys" in 2020.
• In August 2024, Aljaž and Janette announced they would appear at the 2025 "Dancing With The Stars Weekends."

Personal Life

Aljaž Škorjanec is married to fellow dancer Janette Manrara. They got married in 2017. In February 2023, they shared the happy news that they were expecting their first child. Their daughter, Lyra, was born in July 2023.

Aljaž is a big fan of the football club FC Barcelona. He has also spoken openly about having psoriasis, a skin condition, since he was 18. He shared that it sometimes made him feel self-conscious. He uses natural skincare products and talks about his journey to help others understand the condition.

See also

In Spanish: Aljaž Škorjanec para niños