Aljaž Škorjanec has opened up about his decision to quit Strictly Come Dancing, admitting his departure from the show is still so raw he hasn’t braved returning to the studios.
The former Strictly pro announced he was leaving the BBC show after nine years in March to pursue new opportunities.
His decision came 12 months after his wife Janette Manrara made her departure to take over Zoe Ball as host of spin-off show It Takes Two.
Speaking exclusively to OK! about why he’s swerved watching the new series from the audience, he said: “It’s going to take a few weeks.
"I don’t think I’m ready, I can’t do that yet. I’ve watched some of the dances back on telly because I love my fellow co-workers.”
He continued: “I made the decision a while ago but I never knew when was the right time to do it. Everyone advised me not to leave but life is too short and you have to go after things.”
Aljaž admitted that he probably wouldn’t have left had his wife of five years Janette remained part of the line-up.
He added: “It was different doing it without Janette. My job was very different. Strictly is the most incredible opportunity but sometimes I needed that shoulder right next to me for a hug. It felt really different.”
After eight years dancing together on the BBC hit, Janette, 38, and Aljaž, 32, are learning to live like a normal couple and experiencing time apart.
Miami-born Janette is back in her second series presenting It Takes Two alongsideRylan Clark , while Aljaž, who left Strictly 12 months after his wife, is training to be an actor.
After meeting on tour eleven years ago, the couple said the space had actually made them fall in love all over again as they now know what it’s like to really miss each other.
Aljaž said: “Whenever we spend time away from each other we can’t wait to get back together, which is lovely. It makes us miss each other more. But I’ve always enjoyed having the same job – we’ve literally been together 24/7 for 11 years.
"It’s hard to get used to. We’re getting used to being a normal couple now. I’m just not there yet. Whenever Janette goes up to Manchester to do Morning Live and I have something out of town, I can’t wait to get back home.”
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