But Aljaž orkorjanec walks away from the show – taking with him his winning smile and choreography. On Monday, the 32-year-old Slovenian professional dancer said he had made the tough decision to leave the BBC1 series “just before” after thinking for a long time, but was grateful for the show that allowed “his dream come true”. Exit: Aljaž orkorjanec, 32, ‘was on the fence’ to leave the show after nine years before announcing his surprise departure on Monday (photo last month) A source told the Daily Mail: “Aljaz was on the fence about whether he would stay on the show, but he decided to go ahead and try different things.” His departure comes just a month after his compatriot Oti Mabuse announced he was leaving the show after seven years. Aljaž, who won his debut in 2013 with the Abbey Clancy model, wrote on Instagram: “I have planned many exciting things that I will complete soon. I can’t wait to see what the future holds! ” Moving on: A source told the Daily Mail: “Aljaz was on the fence about whether he would stay on the show, but decided to go ahead and try different things” (photo on the show with Sara Davies last year) Following in the footsteps of his wife Janette Manrara, who announced her own departure from the pro lineup last year as she moved into the role of presenter for the spin off show It Takes Two. In a statement posted on social media, Aljaž said: “On a beautiful sunny day in May 2013, a phone call changed my life forever! ‘So it went … we would like to offer you a place at @bbcstrictly as a professional dancer. A dream come true and was the biggest opportunity for a 23-year-old boy from Slovenia Farewell: Aljaž announces his retirement from Strictly Come Dancing this week after nine years on the show as a professional dancer “No matter how many beautiful ballrooms I appeared in during my racing career, going to the sacred floor Strictly was the most nervous thing I had ever been. “A while ago I made the difficult decision that 2021 would be my last. The show has given me the opportunity and the freedom to create and express myself in front of millions of people every weekend for the last 9 years. “The love and support I received from the production team was unparalleled. Jason Gilkison, Sarah James, Kim Winston, Jack Gledhill are just some of the invisible heroes behind the success of the series – I’m forever grateful to them!
Speaking frankly: In a statement posted on social media, Aljaž said: “One beautiful sunny day in May 2013 a phone call changed my life forever!” “Being a member of a team of professionals who inspire you and push you to become better at every step is humiliating and I will carry that inspiration with me forever. Every year the composition of the dancers changed but one thing remained the same, WE ARE THE BEST! And that’s one thing I know will never change in Strictly! “Strictly also has the BEST team in the background – the hair and makeup team, costume department, lighting, sound, sets and special effects, camera operators… THANK YOU!” Alijaz, who won the Glitterball trophy in his first year at the BBC competition, continued to pay tribute to the nine celebrities he danced with on the show, writing: “My beautiful collaborators – Abbey Clancy, Alison Hammond, Helen George, Daisy Lowe, Kate Silverton, Gemma Atkinson, Emma Weymouth, Clara Amfo and Sara Davies. Popular: The professional dancer participated in the show in 2013, with his most recent partner being the star of Dragons Den Sara Davies (photo in November 2021) Loved: Alijaz’s fellow professional dancers, strict judges and famous collaborators commented on his resignation statement It is difficult to describe in words how many beautiful memories we have. I LOVE YOU ALL!’ He also said sweet words about Janet’s wife, saying: “In my mouth … from choosing songs, creating stories and choreographing steps, we always did it as a group. Your talent and selflessness have no limits. “We were dating when we started together on the show and now we are married. We have to play with Andrea Bocelli, Michael Buble, Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, BBC Symphony Orchestra … moments that I will keep in my heart forever. I LOVE YOU!’ Couple: Following in the footsteps of Janette Manrara’s wife, who announced her departure from pro lineup last year as she moved into the role of presenter for It Takes Two (photo appearing on the show in 2021) “And finally, thank you, the people watching Strictly who have been so kind to me all these years. Every comment, vote, polite message never went unnoticed. You are the reason we all do it, thank you! “I have planned many exciting things that I will complete soon. I look forward to seeing what the future holds! KEEP DANCING! ‘ Born in Slovenia, Aljaž took to the track at the age of five and enjoyed great success in his home country, where he won 19 Slovenian championships in Ballroom and Latin. Fighting for over a decade, he represented Slovenia worldwide. Aljaž joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2013 and in his first year lifted the Glitterball Trophy with Abbey Clancy. Champion: Aljaž joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2013 and in his first year lifted the Glitterball Trophy with Abbey Clancy (photo) Other collaborations include Alison Hammond, Helen George, Gemma Atkinson and, more recently, Sara Davies. Sarah James, executive producer of Strictly Come Dancing, said: “We are so sad to say goodbye to Aljaž after almost a decade as a professional dancer at Strictly Come Dancing. “Ever since he lifted the glitterball with Abbey Clancy in his first series, he has become a staple of viewers across the country. “During his nine series he offered us some unforgettable moments in the show through his incredible choreography, his passion for dance and his heart of gold. He will be missed by Strictly’s family, both on and off the track, and we wish him only the best as his next chapter begins. ” Strictly Come Dancing, a BBC Studios entertainment production for the BBC, will return for its twentieth fantasy series on BBC One and BBC iPlayer later in 2022. More details about the new series, including the composition of professional dancers, will be confirmed in due course. Missed: Ever since she picked up glitterball with Abbey in its first series, it has become a constant favorite with viewers across the country (photo 2015)
