Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Aljaž Škorjanec: Strictly pros hail ‘king of the ballroom’ as he announces departure from show after nine years

‘One of the best pros ever,’ wrote former ‘Strictly’ dancer James Jordan

Isobel Lewis
Monday 28 March 2022 12:52 BST
Comments
Strictly star Sara Davies cries while thinking of days without pro partner Aljaz

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Strictly Come Dancing’s professional dancers have sent their support to Aljaž Škorjanec as he announced his departure from the show after nine years.

On Monday (28 March), the Slovenian choreographer posted on social media that he had decided to leave Strictly nine years after winning his debut series with Abbey Clancy in 2013.

“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,” he wrote.

While an official statement from the BBC hailed Škorjanec as a “firm favourite with viewers”, his fellow pros shared their own messages of support with the “king of the ballroom”.

“You will be missed brother, so happy I got to share the Strictly floor with you,” commented Kai Widdrington.

Amy Dowden wrote: “Ali Ali Ali, you have no idea how much you are going to be missed by everyone! Your charm, energy, smile and most of all kindness!”

“Best of luck my friend!! for a beautiful FUTURE AHEAD,” added Graziano di Prima.

Nancy Xu said: “I’m So gutted to see you leaving I will miss the moment I’m sharing the stage with you. Sending all my best wishes to you and I knew wherever you go you will shine like a star.”

“The one and only aljaz,” Karen Hauer wrote. “King of the ballroom. You will be missed my friend.”

Škorjanec (third from right, floor) and the cast and team of ‘Strictly Come Dancing'
Škorjanec (third from right, floor) and the cast and team of ‘Strictly Come Dancing' (Getty Images)

Neil Jones wrote: “Bro you are going to be missed on the show [but] everyone especially me.”

Clara Amfo, who danced with Škorjanec, wrote: “​​Eternal salute to the very best and most fun dance parter any of us “celebs” could have asked for. You surpassed all of your dreams and truly left your mark with audiences, be so proud of yourself!!!”

Former Strictly pro James Jordan commented: “One of the best pros ever to be on Strictly - FACT !! Also….. one of the nicest people. You will be missed mate, I will certainly miss watching you!”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in