Aljaž Škorjanec

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Aljaž Škorjanec (born 19 February 1990) is a Slovenian dancer and choreographer, who is known for appearing on the BBC series Strictly Come Dancing as a professional dancer from 2013 to 2021, and from 2024 onwards.^[1][2]

Aljaž Škorjanec was born in Ptuj, SR Slovenia, Yugoslavia. He is a 19-time Slovenian champion in Ballroom, Latin and Ten Dance.^[3] Between 2000 and 2008, his professional partner was Valerija Rahle Mbanwi.^[4]

In September 2013 Škorjanec became a professional dancer on the eleventh series of the British television show, Strictly Come Dancing. He was partnered with model Abbey Clancy. On 30 November, they received the series' first perfect 40 for their Saturday Night Fever-themed Salsa. On 21 December, they won the series. He was the fourth professional to win in his first series of the show. The following year, he returned for the show's twelfth series, where he was partnered with This Morning presenter, Alison Hammond. They were the sixth couple to be eliminated from the competition. For the show's thirteenth series, he was partnered with Call the Midwife actress, Helen George. They were eliminated on week 11 of the competition, leaving in sixth place.

For the show's fourteenth series, he was partnered with model Daisy Lowe. They were the seventh couple to be eliminated from the competition, leaving in eighth place. For the show's fifteenth series, he was partnered with actress and former model, Gemma Atkinson.^[5] The couple reached the finals, but they finished as joint runners-up, behind winners Joe McFadden and his professional dance partner, Katya Jones.^[6] For the show's sixteenth series, he was partnered with BBC newsreader and journalist Kate Silverton. The couple were eliminated on week 9 in Blackpool, leaving in eighth place.

For the seventeenth series, he was partnered with socialite and chef, Emma Weymouth. They were eliminated on week 7, leaving in ninth place.^[7] For the eighteenth series, he was partnered with BBC Radio 1 DJ and presenter, Clara Amfo. For the nineteenth series, he was partnered with Dragons' Den entrepreneur and TV personality, Sara Davies. In March 2022, Škorjanec announced he would be leaving the show after nine years.^[8]

In July 2024, it was announced that Škorjanec would be returning as a professional for the twenty-second series.^[9] On 7 September 2024, amid speculation suggesting Škorjanec left Strictly due to an altercation with a female colleague in 2022, he said he had taken a break from Strictly to become a father.^[10] He was partnered with Love Island finalist Tasha Ghouri. She was the 2nd deaf contestant to compete after series 19 winner Rose Ayling-Ellis. The couple reached the final and finished as joint runners-up behind Chris McCausland and his professional dance partner, Dianne Buswell. They broke the record for the highest-ever average in the history of the show and Anton Du Beke described Ghouri as "the best dancer we've ever had on Strictly".^[11]

Highest and lowest scoring performances per dance

On the eleventh series, Škorjanec was partnered with model Abbey Clancy.

On the twelfth series, Škorjanec was partnered with television personality Alison Hammond.

• Note: Donny Osmond was a guest judge for the third week

On the thirteenth series, Škorjanec was partnered with actress Helen George.

On the fourteenth series, Škorjanec was partnered with model Daisy Lowe.

On the fifteenth series, Škorjanec was partnered with actress and model Gemma Atkinson.

On the sixteenth series, Škorjanec was partnered with journalist and newsreader Kate Silverton.

• Score was awarded by guest judge Alfonso Ribeiro.

On the seventeenth series, Škorjanec was partnered with model and socialite Emma Weymouth.

• Score was awarded by guest judge Alfonso Ribeiro.

On the eighteenth series, Škorjanec was partnered with radio presenter Clara Amfo.

• Score was awarded by guest judge Anton Du Beke.

On the nineteenth series, Škorjanec was partnered with businesswoman and Dragons' Den star, Sara Davies.^[12]

On the twenty-second series, Škorjanec was partnered with model and television personality, Tasha Ghouri.

In August 2024, Škorjanec and Janette Manrara announced appearances at the 2025 "Dancing With The Stars Weekends".^[13]

In 2020, Škorjanec and Manrara announced dates for their 2021 UK Tour "Remembering The Oscars".^[14]

In October 2020, Škorjanec announced a 2021 West End Show "Here Come The Boys".^[15]

In 2017, Škorjanec took part in the national Strictly Come Dancing - The Live Tour in 2017^{[citation needed]} and, with Manrara, announced dates for their 2018 UK Tour "Remembering Fred".^[16]

Škorjanec is a fan of FC Barcelona.^{[17][failed verification]} Škorjanec is married to fellow dancer Janette Manrara.^[18] In February 2023, the couple announced that they were expecting their first child in summer 2023.^[19] Their daughter, Lyra, was born in July 2023.^[20]

In 2020, Škorjanec explained his developing psoriasis at age 18, saying: "It affects my confidence and self esteem massively" and adding that it makes him self-conscious.^[21] Aljaz started to use natural skincare products and document his journey to raise awareness.^[22]

• Aljaž Skorjanec at IMDb