Strictly pro Aljaž Škorjanec spills on the controversial batch of Strictly ‘axings’, teaching his little girl Slovenian and missing Janette and Lyra on Mother’s Day

He’s twirled, dipped, and dazzled his way into our hearts on Strictly Come Dancing, but away from the glitter and sequins, he’s just as devoted to his family and friends.

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We caught up with a chatty Aljaž Škorjanec at LEON’s Regent Street branch – the one-weekend-only transformation of the Regent Street restaurant into a classic British seaside chippy .

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And as the 36-year-old Slovenian pro dancer opened up on the controversial new ‘axings’ on Strictly which have caused some backlash, home life and his summer tour with daughter Lyra, 2, and touring with wife Janette Manrara, 42, it didn’t take long to see how effortlessly he balances fame and fatherhood.

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Strictly’s been in the news a lot recently, particularly with the recent ‘bloodbath’ headlines. Are you going back this year?

We’re all awaiting for the official announcement. They don’t announce the names of dancers returning until it’s confirmed. Whatever the Strictly bosses do, it’s in the interest of the show, and we always support their decisions. So we’ll see who’s back. And hopefully, I’m back.

Is it sad to see some people you’ve worked with for a long time leave the show?

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I’ve been lucky enough to do the show for a long time, and last year was my 11th season. I’ve seen a lot of people come and go. It’s always sad to see someone go, but it’s equally exciting to see new faces, fresh energy, and people who bring something different. Strictly has always evolved like that.

Do you get a lot of energy when the cast changes?

Absolutely. It means the show never gets stale. Also, every celebrity I dance with is different every year, so no day is ever the same. Whoever is standing next to you, it’s all about them, and they’re always different people. That’s why I love Strictly.

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Who are you closest to among the celebrities you’ve danced with?

That’s tough. I feel close to all of them. I’m very fortunate to have amazing friendships from Strictly. I couldn’t tell you who I’m closest to. I still keep in touch with almost all of them. From different careers, you wouldn’t expect them to be friends, but that’s what Strictly does.

It’s for anyone and everyone. Especially now, when live TV is becoming rarer, it’s the only big show left on that scale filmed live. It’s for kids, grandparents, family, it brings people together.

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And when you’re rehearsing for Strictly, the workload must be quite intense?

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Yeah, they can be. It’s just the general scheduling; you get no real time off, so we do often just have to grab food.

You did leave Strictly for a while back in 2022, then came back in 2024. What did you do in those two years?

I left because I knew I wanted to be a hands-on dad and a good husband to a pregnant wife. I was lucky enough to put everything on hold and focus solely on family. I did that for a couple of years, and then came back, and I’m actually the only pro ever in the history of the show to be brought back. So I’m back at it, doing it again, and I love it.

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And do you enjoy working with your wife, Janette?

I am glad she is still part of the show and my favourite TV presenter in the UK. I love her.

Can we put money on her hosting the main show?

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I can’t put money on anyone. [Laugh]

Is there anyone you’d like to see host?

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Tess and Claudia trailblazed on Strictly, two women on Saturday night live TV for years, they have left massive shoes to fill. Whoever the new hosts are, they need to bring sparkle, glamour, and enjoy the ride.

Would you go into TV presenting alongside Jeanette when you finish dancing?

When I finish dancing, I want to work with John Vincent, the founder of LEON! That’s what I want to do! I genuinely want to spend time with people I love and care about ,John is one of them. I’m always going to be there for whatever he does.

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Tell us about your summer tour, Let’s Face the Music and Dance, with Janette…

We’ve been touring for over ten years together now. It’s always exciting. Performing with a live audience and band is brilliant. It’s a family affair now; Lyra comes along with us, and we have to see which grandparents are free so we can rotate them to help during the live show, when we are performing.

Are either of your parents in the UK?

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A: No, none of them, they visit but they’re in Slovenia, and Miami. So babysitting is tricky. Janette and I have just had to make it work. Trying to balance work and life is tricky for everyone; we’re just making it work the best we can.

You strike us as a very hands-on dad.

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I love being hands-on. Careers come and go, opportunities come and go, but time doesn’t. My little one is only little once, I’m not missing a moment.

What is your favourite thing to do with Lyra?

I’m adamant she learns Slovenian, so teaching her that is my favourite right now. I had to learn English early on, and it helped me learn more languages later.

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What is your favourite way to spend a family day out?

Jeanette and Lyra love Willow’s Farm in St Albans. Peter Rabbit is a hit. Honestly, it doesn’t matter what we do, as long as we’re all together.

You have to spend time away from your family for work, and you mentioned Janette and Lyra are currently away in Miami and missing Mother’s Day. How do you cope with that?

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We create our own little holidays when we are together. Every day can be Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Women’s Day. That’s what makes the actual holidays more bearable. The Miami family hasn’t seen Lyra and Janette in ages, so they had to go when Janette wasn’t working. It’s a priority to maintain that connection.

And how do you spend your holiday?

We’ve actually just come back from Mauritius, it was just perfect for families – super safe, lovely coral reefs, friendly people and perfect for a little one, it was beautiful.

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Did you made friends with John [Vincent, LEON Founder] back in 2015, when his wife Katie Derham competed on Strictly…

Yes, I wasn’t partnered with Katie — Anton was, but we became really close on Strictly. We also did one Strictly segment together at the BBC Proms in 2016, and I partnered with Katie for that occasion. That’s when I met John again, and we became great friends. He’s one of the people I still keep in touch with, even all these years since Katie took part. I love him; he’s one of the funnest and best people in my life.

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So, you’re a massive LEON food fan then?!

I’m a huge LEON fan! Ever since I moved to the UK. I think it’s genius, fast food that’s actually good and clean. And the way LEON have done it for so long, I think it’s admirable to have a fast-food quick fix that’s good for you.

As a dancer, do you have to watch what you eat?

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Especially right now, during my off-season when I’m not dancing all the time. I’ve got a couple of weeks before the Let’s Face the Music and Dance rehearsals start. This is probably the time I’m eating the worst. But LEON helps me keep it in check. Honestly, I probably eat ot every other day when I’m on the go. I really am a proper fan.