After a two year hiatus, fan favourite and KING of the Strictly dance-floor Aljaž Škorjanec has announced he is to return to the much loved BBC series as a professional dancer for its brand-new season.
The multi-award-winning entertainment show, produced by BBC Studios, will return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer for its new 22nd series this Autumn, celebrating two spectacular decades of dance!
Aljaž will be joined in the iconic Strictly ballroom by fellow pros Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, Graziano Di Prima, Amy Dowden, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, Jowita Przystal, Johannes Radebe, Kai Widdrington, Nancy Xu, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley, Michelle Tsiakkas and Vito Coppola.
“I could not be more ecstatic to be back with the Strictly family!” Aljaž says ahead of his return. “This year is such a special one for this legendary show, I can’t wait to be a part of it and make my return to the dance-floor.”
“I had an absolute ball during my nine year stint on Strictly, during my time away I became a parent, which has been an exciting challenge in itself and now I’m ready to experience the Strictly magic again.”
“It feels so right to be coming back, I missed the fun, glitter and the judges of course and I hope to make my daughter Lyra proud!”
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Aside from a brand new season, fans and loyal viewers of the show are in for an extra special 20th birthday treat, as an unmissable one-off programme will also be coming to BBC One and iPlayer that promises a journey “through 20 years of unforgettable entertainment” featuring iconic performances and plenty of heart-warming interviews with past celebrity stars, professional dancers, and judges too.
The programme will showcase why Strictly Come Dancing has captured the hearts of the nation for the past 20 years as one of the BBC’s best known and well-loved programmes.
Sarah James, Executive Producer of Strictly Come Dancing says of the upcoming season, as well as Aljaž’s return: “We are all so thrilled that Aljaž is back in the Strictly Ballroom, bringing his incredible choreography and passion for dance. During his nine series he was a firm favourite with viewers across the country, I’m sure everyone is in for a treat as he joins us to entertain the nation for a very special 20th year of the show.”