Aljaz Skorjanec says 20 years on TV is ‘testament to how good’ Strictly is

Professional dancer Aljaz Skorjanec has said “it’s a testament to how good” Strictly Come Dancing is “that it’s been running for 20 years”.

In July it was announced that the 34-year-old, who is married to It Takes Two co-host and former Strictly professional Janette Manrara, would return to the dance floor after a two-year gap.

Speaking about his return, Skorjanec said: “It’s been a privilege really. This is my 10th year so I’ve done half of them and the show has changed my life.

“Changed my life for the better. And it gets better every single year. And I think on the 20th anniversary it’s going to be even more special.

“I was there when Bruce (Forsyth) was presenting. It’s a testament to how good it is that it’s been running for 20 years.”

There are 18 professionals who will return to the dance floor later this month alongside celebrity participants who include reality star Pete Wicks, Olympian Tom Dean, EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick and comedian Chris McCausland.

Professionals Graziano Di Prima and Giovanni Pernice will not return, however, amid allegations about the treatment of a number of contestants on the show.

Sherlock star Amanda Abbington was the first to allege “inappropriate” behaviour on Strictly and claimed she was subject to a “toxic environment” while she danced alongside Pernice, who rejects the allegations.

Reflecting on the show’s future and what the next 20 years could hold, Skorjanec said: “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.”

Strictly Come Dancing will return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer for its new series at 7.20pm on Saturday September 14.

Hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will welcome the celebrity contestants on to the Strictly dance floor as they discover which professional dancer they will be paired with.