Strictly Come Dancing favourites Aljaž Škorjanec and Janette Manrara left viewers smiling after sharing a candid, love-filled update during their appearance on Lorraine this Friday.
The professional dancer, 35, jokingly admitted that while Janette, 42, was once his undisputed number one dance partner, she has now been gently bumped down the rankings — thanks to a very special new arrival.
“Janette used to be my number one,” Aljaž laughed. “Now she’s my number two. Lyra and I dance every night in the kitchen.”
The couple, who married in 2017, welcomed their daughter Lyra in July 2023 and have since embraced family life with the same joy and energy they bring to the dance floor. Janette revealed that their little one is already showing signs of becoming a Strictly superfan.
“She understands things now,” Janette shared. “She watched Daddy on Strictly and was screaming at the TV — even doing the scoreboards!”
Despite the playful banter, dance remains a huge part of their shared world. The couple continue to perform together and are currently preparing for their upcoming Let’s Face The Music… And Dance! tour, set to hit the road this April.
Aljaž recently returned to the Strictly ballroom, where he was partnered with La Voix. However, their journey was sadly cut short after an injury forced La Voix to withdraw from the competition. Meanwhile, Janette has remained a familiar face on It Takes Two, co-hosting alongside Fleur East.
Balancing busy careers with parenthood is nothing new for Janette. Last year, she took on the coveted role of Roxie Hart in Chicago, joining a list of high-profile stars who have portrayed the iconic character on stage.
Speaking previously to The Mirror, Janette admitted that while the opportunity was a dream come true, accepting the role came with emotional considerations.
“I cried the day I got the job,” she said. “It was one of my favourite musicals ever, and I’d wanted to do it for so long. But my first thought was Lyra — making sure she’d be okay, who she’d be with, and how we’d make it all work.”
She added that once those questions were answered, she embraced the challenge wholeheartedly, reminding herself that it was a busy but incredibly fulfilling chapter.
The couple’s journey to parenthood wasn’t without its challenges. After trying for over two years and undergoing IVF treatment, Janette and Aljaž announced her pregnancy in February 2023 — a moment they described as nothing short of miraculous.
Reflecting at the time, Aljaž said: “It’s hard mentally and physically. It gave me a whole new respect for women. I’m so proud of Janette — I love her more than anything. It really is a little miracle.”
With love, laughter, dancing in the kitchen, and a growing family at the centre of their world, it’s clear that while the ballroom will always hold a special place in their hearts, home is where their most meaningful performances now take place.
Lorraine is available to watch on ITVX. 💃❤️
