Strictly legend Alja啪 returns to the show
- Published
After a two-year break, professional dancer Alja啪 艩korjanec has announced he will be back in the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom for the new series.
Alja啪 left in 2022 after nine years on the show, but his return is just in time to celebrate Strictly's 20th anniversary.
He first joined Strictly back in 2013 and during his first year he lifted the Glitterball Trophy with Abbey Clancy.
He was also a runner up in 2017 with partner, Gemma Atkinson.
He is a World-Class Professional Dancer and a 19-time Slovenian champion in Ballroom, Latin and Ten dance.
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Alja啪 partnered Sara Davies in the 19th series of the show
Other dance partners include Alison Hammond, Clara Amfo and Sara Davies.
Alja啪 is married to former Strictly pro and It Takes Two presenter Janette Manrara and they have a daughter Lyra, who was born in 2023.
Alja啪 told the 91热爆: 鈥淚 could not be more ecstatic to be back with the Strictly family! This year is such a special one for this legendary show, I can鈥檛 wait to be a part of it and make my return to the dancefloor.
"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鈥檓 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!鈥
Strictly Come Dancing first aired in May 2004 is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.