After nine years on Strictly Come Dancing Aljaž Škorjanec is hanging up his dancing shoes.
After winning the BBC competition in his debut year back in 2013, the professional dancer quickly became a fan favourite. He shared his win with model and television personality Abbey Clancy.
Despite all of his success, it appears his time on the show is up. The official Twitter of Strictly Come Dancing shared the news Aljaž won't be returning for a future series with a heartfelt post, saying noting how sorely he will be missed.
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An image of Aljaž was shared alongside text which read: "We are so sad to be saying goodbye to Aljaž after almost a decade as a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing. Since lifting the glitterball with Abbey Clancy in his debut series he has became a firm favourite with viewers across the country.
"During his nine series he has provided us with some unforgettable moments on the show through his incredibly choreography, passion for dance and heart of gold. He will be missed by his strictly family, both on and off the dance floor, and we wish him the very best as he embarks on his next chapter.
Ajiaz also announced the news on his Instagram account.
He said: " On a beautiful sunny day in May 2013 one phone call changed my life forever!
"It went like this... We would like to offer you a position on @bbcstrictly as a professional dancer. A dream became a reality and it was the biggest opportunity for a 23 year old boy from Slovenia. It didn’t matter how many beautiful ballrooms I performed in during my competitive career, stepping onto the sacred Strictly floor was the most nervous I had ever been.
"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 love and support I got from the team of producers was second to none. @jasongilkison, @sarahjamesface, @kimwinston, @jack.will.g are just a few of the unsung heroes behind the success of the show - I am forever grateful to them!
"Being a part of a group of professionals that inspire and push you to be better every step of the way is humbling and I will carry that inspiration with me forever. Every year the lineup of dancers would change but one thing stayed the same, WE WERE THE BEST! And this is one thing that I know will never change on Strictly!
"Strictly also has the BEST backstage team - the hair and make-up team, costume department, lighting, sound, props and special effects, camera operators… THANK YOU!
"My beautiful partners.. It's hard to put into words how many beautiful memories we have had. I LOVE YOU ALL!
To my bucka.. from picking songs, creating stories and choreographing steps we always did it as a team. Your talent and selflessness knows no bounds. We got to perform with Andrea Bocelli, Michael Buble, Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, BBC Symphony Orchestra.. moments I will keep in my heart forever. I LOVE YOU!
"And finally, thank YOU, the people that watch Strictly who have been so kind to me all these years. Every comment, vote, kind message never went unnoticed. You are the reason we all do it, thank you!
"I have lots of exciting stuff planned that I will fill you in on soon. I can't wait to see what the future holds! KEEEEEP DANCING! Aljaz x"
Fans of both the dancer and the show shared their dismay at the announcement. @HawleySonya said: "I shall miss his wonderful smiling face."
@AndiWheeler2016 also said: "Awwwww noooooo!!! Aljaz is my favourite, he's so lovely, funny, silly and totally adorable - his appearances on It Takes Two are always the highlight of the week."
