Aljaž Škorjanec

Aljaž Škorjanec is a Slovenian professional dancer and choreographer, celebrated for his long and successful tenure on the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing. Since joining the show in 2013, he has become one of its most beloved professionals, known for his technical brilliance, charismatic stage presence, and warm rapport with celebrity partners. His crowning achievement came in 2017 when he won the Glitterball Trophy with actress Gemma Atkinson.

Beyond the ballroom, Aljaž has built a thriving career as a live performer and tour producer. Alongside his wife, fellow professional Janette Manrara, he has headlined multiple UK theatre tours, most recently Let's Face The Music... and Dance! in 2026. His return to Strictly in 2024 after a brief hiatus delighted fans, and his December 2025 Argentine Tango with departing host Tess Daly became a memorable television moment.

With over 625,000 Instagram followers and a devoted fanbase, Aljaž remains a prominent figure in the dance world, admired for his dedication, humility, and the joy he brings to every performance. [edit]

Born on 19 February 1990 in Ptuj, Slovenia, Aljaž Škorjanec discovered dance almost by accident. At age five, he secretly signed himself up for nursery school dance classes without telling his parents. When they found out, they were surprised but supportive, and that spontaneous decision set him on a path that would define his life.

Growing up in Ptuj, a small town in northeastern Slovenia, Aljaž immersed himself in ballroom and Latin dance. He trained rigorously at local studios and quickly showed exceptional promise. By his early teens, he was competing nationally, and he went on to become a nineteen-time Slovenian Champion across Ballroom, Latin, and Ten Dance disciplines. His success on the domestic circuit earned him recognition and a reputation as one of the country's most talented young dancers.

Before his UK breakthrough, Aljaž also competed internationally, representing Slovenia in various championships. These formative years built the technical foundation and competitive drive that would later make him a standout on Strictly Come Dancing. His journey from a self-enrolled five-year-old to a national champion is a testament to his early passion and relentless work ethic, setting the stage for his eventual move to the UK and his rise to fame. [edit]

Aljaž Škorjanec's career changed forever in 2013 when he joined the cast of Strictly Come Dancing as a professional dancer. His debut season saw him paired with model Abbey Clancy, and the duo reached the final, finishing as runners-up. That immediate success made him a fan favorite and set the tone for his future on the show.

Over the next several years, Aljaž consistently reached the later stages of the competition. His biggest milestone came in 2017 when he won the Glitterball Trophy with actress Gemma Atkinson. Their partnership was a highlight of the series, and their victory remains one of the most popular in the show's history. He continued as a top-tier pro through 2021, then took a hiatus from the main show.

Aljaž made a triumphant return to Strictly in 2024. In 2025, he was paired with performer La Voix, but the partnership ended early when La Voix withdrew due to injury in November. In December 2025, he performed a poignant Argentine Tango with host Tess Daly during her farewell episode, a standout moment that showcased his artistry and emotional connection.

Outside television, Aljaž has built a successful touring career. He and his wife Janette Manrara have co-produced and starred in multiple live dance shows, including Remembering the Movies and Let's Face The Music... and Dance!, which toured the UK in spring 2026. These ventures have expanded his brand beyond the small screen and solidified his reputation as a versatile performer and producer. [edit]

Aljaž Škorjanec is known for his polished yet approachable public persona. On the dance floor, he exudes elegance and precision, often dressed in sleek ballroom suits that highlight his athletic frame. Off stage, he is warm and down-to-earth, frequently sharing behind-the-scenes moments with fans on Instagram and X.

His fandom, affectionately called 'Aljaž's Army', is known for its loyalty and enthusiasm. They celebrate his victories with trending hashtags and create fan art that he often acknowledges. Media coverage frequently highlights his chemistry with partners and his reputation as a 'gentleman of dance'. His partnership with Janette Manrara is often cited as a model of a successful showbiz couple, with fans following their tours and joint appearances with great interest.

Aljaž's social media voice is genuine and encouraging, often sharing motivational messages about hard work and perseverance. He actively engages with fans, responding to comments and participating in Q&A sessions. This accessibility has endeared him to a broad audience, making him one of the most relatable figures in the dance community. [edit]

Aljaž Škorjanec commands a devoted following known affectionately as 'Aljaž's Army', a group distinguished by its unwavering loyalty and active engagement across social platforms. This community frequently trends hashtags to celebrate his victories and produces fan art that the dancer himself often acknowledges, creating a warm feedback loop between performer and audience. Despite this vibrant digital presence, iFANN research indicates that no formal, branded fandom name exists for his supporters beyond this colloquial moniker, distinguishing his fanbase from those with structured campaigns or official collective nouns. The audience is organized primarily through general social media interactions rather than chart pushes or fan-funded projects, focusing instead on celebrating his professional longevity and recent high-profile activities. Regarding his standing in the global cultural landscape, Aljaž Škorjanec is currently evaluated by the iFANN Global Fame Engine but does not hold a placement in the published rankings. While he remains a central figure within the Strictly Come Dancing ecosystem and a recognized name in UK theatre, he has not yet secured a position within the Global Top 1,000 or any specific scope list during the August 2026 evaluation period. His public narrative is increasingly defined by his technical prowess as a choreographer and his role in the recent restructuring of the show's cast, including controversial moments where he defended the BBC's decision to axe fellow professionals. These events have generated substantial news coverage, marking him as a significant, albeit unranked, player in contemporary entertainment history.[edit]

Aljaž Škorjanec maintains a few distinctive quirks that fans appreciate. He is a passionate supporter of his hometown football club, NK Aluminij, and has participated in charity matches to raise funds for schools. A self-confessed foodie, he particularly enjoys Slovenian cuisine, with a special fondness for his grandmother's potica, a traditional nut roll. On set, he is renowned for meticulous preparation, often rehearsing routines hours before cameras begin rolling, and he possesses a habit of wearing a lucky pair of socks during finals. Among the Strictly crew, he is known as 'The Slovenian Sensation', a title he laughs off yet secretly enjoys. He holds a black belt in goju-ryu karate, a discipline practiced in childhood to enhance balance and focus. An animal lover, he owns a rescue dog named Pongo who frequently appears on his social media. Additionally, he enjoys painting and has auctioned several abstract pieces for charity. Recent years have added new layers to his legend, particularly regarding his defense of the BBC's controversial cast cull in March 2026, an incident that sparked widespread debate. Another notable chapter involves his partnership with Janette Manrara for their 2026 tour, 'Let's Face The Music... and Dance!', which sold out venues like Birmingham's Symphony Hall, cementing their status as a power couple in the touring circuit.[edit]

Aljaž Škorjanec was born to parents who, while not dancers themselves, always encouraged his passion. His father, a mechanic, and his mother, a nurse, supported his early dance training, even driving him to competitions across Slovenia. He has one younger sister, Nina, who works as a physiotherapist.

In July 2017, Aljaž married fellow Strictly professional Janette Manrara. The couple met through the show and have become one of the dance world's most beloved duos. They share a home in London with their rescue dog, Pongo. As of 2026, they have no children, but they often speak about their future family plans. Their close-knit relationship with their extended families is evident in their social media posts, especially during holidays and family gatherings. [edit]

Aljaž Škorjanec is closely associated with his wife Janette Manrara, a fellow professional dancer and co-star on Strictly Come Dancing. His 2017 winning partner was actress Gemma Atkinson, with whom he shares a lasting friendship. He has also worked extensively with host Tess Daly, culminating in a memorable farewell dance in 2025. His 2025 celebrity partner was drag performer La Voix, though their time together was cut short due to injury. [edit]

Aljaž Škorjanec's public relationship history is largely centered on his marriage to Janette Manrara. The couple met in 2013 when they both joined Strictly Come Dancing as professionals. They began dating in 2015, and their romance quickly became a fan favorite. They got engaged in 2016 and married on 15 July 2017 in a ceremony attended by many of their fellow dancers.

Before Janette, Aljaž had a few brief relationships in Slovenia, but details are scarce. He has always been private about his personal life prior to his UK fame.

As of 2026, Aljaž and Janette remain happily married. They frequently collaborate professionally, and their social media is filled with affectionate posts. There have been no reports of any separations or infidelity, and they are considered one of the most stable couples in the entertainment industry. [edit]

iFANN currently estimates Aljaž Škorjanec's net worth at $9 Million. The bulk of his income stems from his long-running role on Strictly Come Dancing, where professionals are reportedly paid between £50,000 and £100,000 per series. Since his return in 2024, he has continued to command a top-tier salary. His touring ventures with wife Janette Manrara serve as another major revenue stream. Their joint productions, such as Let's Face The Music... and Dance!, have sold out venues across the UK. The tour's success in spring 2026 has contributed significantly to their combined earnings. Aljaž also earns from brand endorsements and sponsored social media posts. With over 625,000 Instagram followers, he partners with lifestyle and fitness brands, reportedly earning between £2,000 and £5,000 per post. His long career since 2013 has allowed him to build substantial savings, and he and Janette own a property in London. While exact figures remain private, his steady television presence and profitable tours suggest a comfortable and growing financial portfolio.[edit]

Aljaž Škorjanec's most significant award is the Glitterball Trophy from Strictly Come Dancing in 2017, which he won with celebrity partner Gemma Atkinson. This victory stands as the pinnacle of his television career and is widely celebrated by fans. Prior to his UK fame, he also amassed nineteen Slovenian national championship titles, a remarkable competitive achievement that underscored his technical mastery. [edit]