Janette Manrara breaks silence on Aljaz Skorjanec quitting Strictly saying ‘I cannot express the sadness in my heart’

JANETTE Manrara has revealed her "sadness" to see husband Aljaz Skorjanec leaving Strictly Come Dancing.

The It Takes Two host - who quit the BBC dance competition as a pro dancer last year - said the 32-year-old other is "what 'Strictly' is all about".

Janette, 38, wrote on Instagram last night: "I cannot express the sadness in my heart to see @aljazskorjanec say goodbye to @bbcstrictly, but at the same time there is so much joy in my heart for what he has brought to the show these past 9 years.

"I have admired him from the day I met him for his passion for dancing, but more than anything for his kindness towards anyone he encounters.

"As his wife and best friend, I could not be happier to know
that he made so many smile during his time in Strictly; not just those
who were watching from home, but also those who work behind the scenes.

"He makes every single person he encounters feel absolutely special; ask any of his partners throughout the years.

"He IS STRICTLY and what Strictly is all about; taking someone who wants to learn to dance, and making them truly fall in love with it."

Janette also cannot wait for Aljaz's "exciting adventures" in the
future.

She added: "All good things come to an end, but with every ending comes new beginnings.

"I cannot wait for the exciting adventures life will have for him in the future because I know at the centre of all of his endeavours will be kindness and love for whatever he does.

"Thank you for giving him all of the love and support you have these past 9 years…. And thank you @aljazskorjanec for always being my biggest inspiration in any and everything that I do. May that long continue. I love you, and you and I will forever and always Keep dancing"

Starting his dance career aged five in his native Slovenia, Aljaz signed himself up for lessons in nursery without his parents' knowledge.

He won 19 Slovenian championships in ballroom and Latin and later represented his country at world level.

In his debut series, Aljaz clinched the prize with Liverpudlian model and TV presenter Abby Clancy during the first all-female final on the show.

In 2017, he reached the final with partner Atkinson but missed out to winners Joe McFadden and Katya Jones.

Announcing his departure yesterday, the star shared a series of photos on Instagram from his time on Strictly and said: "A little while ago I made the tough decision that Strictly 2021 would be my last.

"The show has given me an opportunity and freedom to create and express myself in front of millions of people every weekend for the last nine years."

Ending his post, he said: "I have lots of exciting stuff planned that I will fill you in on soon. I can't wait to see what the future holds!"