Aljaz Skorjanec makes feelings clear on 'changes' to BBC show as he pleads 'keep format the same' amid scrutiny
Aljaz Skorjanec gave his verdict on the future of Strictly Come Dancing
BBC
Strictly Come Dancing star Aljaz Skorjanec has opened up on the changes he thinks the show will be making for future series - but insisted that the format should be kept the same.
The 34-year-old left the series back in 2022, with his last stint on the show being in 2021 where he was paired with Dragons' Den star Sara Davies and made it to week seven before they received the boot.
Skorjanec announced his departure from the series through his Instagram and said in a lengthy post: "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 9 years."
The star has since spent time being at home with his wife and former professional dancer Janette Manrara, raising their one-year-old daughter, Lyra.
Back in July, it was announced on The One Show that he was stepping out of his retirement to return to the 20th-anniversary special, and revealed: "What haven't I missed?
Sara Davies and Aljaz Skorjanec danced together during his last season in 2021
"I got to look after my beautiful wife, and my beautiful baby for two years. But I missed everything about Strictly."
He also announced the news on his Instagram account and penned: "Here it goes.. @bbcstrictly is back for the 20th anniversary this autumn…. and so am I! So grateful for this very special opportunity.
"Can’t wait to be back in that iconic ballroom, and to get the chance for my little one to see me on the best show on TV #lifeisbeautiful #keepdancing." (sic)
Skorjanec will be returning to the show this weekend (Saturday, September 14) and recently opened up on what he thinks the show will look like in the next 20 years.
He explained: "I can’t wait for the show to start using things like holograms and AI. It’ll be tricky to know what’s real and what’s not, but that might be the next technical step.
"I wouldn’t change much, though, because I think what makes Strictly so successful is that it’s stuck to its original format – watching dances that people love and then learn to love themselves.
"Let’s be honest, most people watching Strictly haven’t been in a dance class or studio themselves, but even watching it feels the same. That’s why people get more invested each year. So, keep the format exactly the same, but just add even more to the production."
Despite Skorjanec's excitement to return, many fans have slammed the BBC's decision to bring him back and branded the broadcaster "calculated" - calling for axed dancer Giovanni Pernice's return.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Aljaz Skorjanec took time away from the show to spend time with his wife Janette Manrara and their daughter Lyra
Sources linked to the show hit back and claimed that his late arrival was part of the Strictly plan and told The Mirror: "Not all pros have always been announced together and some have been added at a later stage previously.
"Aljaz is well known to viewers so it’s nice to give fans of the show a surprise announcement of the 20th anniversary."
The BBC dance contest and its professional dancers have come under heavy scrutiny of late following complaints made by Amanda Abbington last year about Pernice's conduct.
An internal investigation was launched and several other pro dancers found their previous training methods thrust into the spotlight following revelations from former contestants.