In a world where celebrity couples often keep their most personal milestones under wraps until the tabloids inevitably spill the beans, Aljaz Skorjanec and Janette Manrara—the golden duo of BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing—have just dropped a bombshell that’s got fans in a frenzy. After months of cryptic social media posts, whispered rumors, and a suspiciously low-key presence at recent industry events, the pair has finally spoken out. And what they revealed? It’s the kind of life-altering news that has the internet united in a single, resounding chorus: “We knew it!”
For those who live and breathe ballroom glamour, Aljaz and Janette aren’t just a couple; they’re a phenomenon. From their sizzling on-screen chemistry during their 2013 Strictly partnership to their real-life fairy-tale romance, they’ve embodied the show’s magic. Aljaz, the Slovenian heartthrob with moves that could melt glaciers, and Janette, the fiery American dynamo whose energy lights up any dance floor, met in the glittering pressure cooker of the BBC’s flagship entertainment program. What started as a professional pairing blossomed into something profound: a marriage in 2016, a daughter named Lyra in 2024, and a partnership that’s weathered the highs of sequins and spotlights and the lows of grueling rehearsals and public scrutiny.
But lately, the couple had gone quiet. Aljaz, who stepped away from Strictly in 2021 to prioritize family life before making a triumphant return in 2024, had been noticeably absent from promotional circuits. Janette, ever the multitasker, juggled her role as a presenter on It Takes Two with motherhood, but even her Instagram feeds—usually a whirlwind of dance tutorials, family snapshots, and motivational mantras—had tapered off to occasional glimpses of cozy home life. Fans speculated wildly: Was Aljaz eyeing a Hollywood crossover? Had Janette landed a solo tour? Or, heaven forbid, were cracks showing in their seemingly unbreakable bond?
The truth, as it turns out, is far more heartwarming—and yes, entirely predictable in the best way possible. In an exclusive sit-down interview with a close-knit circle of entertainment insiders (details of which we’ll unpack shortly), Aljaz and Janette announced they’re expecting their second child. Due in early 2026, this little bundle of joy marks not just an expansion of their family but a deliberate pivot in their professional lives. The couple is stepping back from the relentless pace of TV schedules to focus on building a legacy beyond the dance floor: a global online dance academy aimed at making ballroom accessible to everyone, from toddlers to retirees.
“We’ve been sitting on this for so long,” Janette confessed, her eyes sparkling with that trademark mischief even as she cradled her barely-there bump during the virtual chat. “Lyra’s first year flew by in a blur of sleepless nights and Strictly series. We realized we needed to hit pause—not on our passion for dance, but on the chaos that comes with it. This baby? It’s our cue to rewrite the script.”
Aljaz, ever the steady anchor to Janette’s vibrant spark, nodded along, his hand resting protectively on her knee. “People think we’re invincible, like we can spin through life at 180 beats per minute forever. But fatherhood… it’s the cha-cha that changes everything. Lyra’s made us see that the real rhythm is in the quiet moments. We’re not leaving Strictly behind—we love it too much. But we’re creating space for what comes next.”
And what comes next is nothing short of revolutionary for aspiring dancers everywhere. Dubbed “Dance Without Limits,” their academy will launch in spring 2026 via a user-friendly app and website, offering live-streamed classes, personalized coaching, and community challenges. Drawing from their combined 20+ years on Strictly, the curriculum promises to demystify the waltz and tango, blending technical precision with the emotional storytelling that made their partnership iconic. “We want every kid in a small town to feel like they can be the next pros,” Aljaz explained. “No fancy studios required—just passion and a phone.”
The announcement, shared first through a heartfelt joint Instagram Reel (now clocking over 5 million views), featured the couple slow-dancing in their sun-drenched living room, Lyra giggling in the background as soft piano notes swelled. Subtle ultrasound imagery flickered on screen, overlaid with the words: “Our family’s growing… and so is our dream.” The caption? A simple “Baby #2 on the way. Time to teach two little feet to twinkle.” Within minutes, the comments section erupted—not with shock or envy, but with that collective exhale of “We knew it!”
Fans, it seems, had been piecing together the puzzle for weeks. “The way Janette’s been posting about ‘new beginnings’ and Aljaz liking all those baby product ads? Obvious!” wrote one devotee. Another chimed in: “Their chemistry’s always screamed ‘big family vibes.’ Congrats—you two are couple goals forever.” Even fellow Strictly alumni piled on: Tess Daly posted a string of heart emojis with “Double the sparkle!”; Craig Revel Horwood quipped, “Darlings, may the child inherit your fabulousness—and none of your dropped frames.” The unified fan refrain? A mix of “About time!” and “We saw the glow-up coming.”
But beneath the celebratory buzz lies a deeper story—one of resilience and reinvention. Aljaz and Janette’s journey hasn’t been all paso dobles and perfect scores. When Aljaz first left Strictly in 2021, rumors swirled of burnout and homesickness for his Slovenian roots. Janette, meanwhile, navigated the emotional rollercoaster of infertility struggles before welcoming Lyra via IVF—a chapter they shared vulnerably in 2024, inspiring countless couples to speak out. “We didn’t want to be the polished poster child,” Janette reflected. “Life’s messy. Dance teaches you that: sometimes you slip, but you always lift back up.”
Their decision to announce now feels timed to perfection. With Strictly‘s 2025 series wrapping amid its usual drama (hello, that unforgettable Viennese waltz lift gone wrong), the couple’s news injects pure joy into a post-season slump. It’s a reminder that even in an industry obsessed with perfection, the most compelling narratives are the human ones. Aljaz, who dazzled audiences with his 2024 partnership alongside a beloved soap star, admits the return reignited his fire but also highlighted the toll. “Dancing with someone else is thrilling, but coming home to Janette and Lyra? That’s the real encore.”
As they gear up for baby number two—a boy, they’re convinced, given the “feisty kicks” already in play—the pair is buzzing with plans. The academy isn’t just a side hustle; it’s a passion project born from fan letters begging for affordable lessons. “We’ve had messages from single moms in Manchester to retirees in Melbourne saying, ‘Teach me like you taught each other,’” Janette shared. Early beta testers rave about the interactive elements: AI-driven feedback on form, virtual duets with pros, and forums for sharing progress. Aljaz envisions it as ” Strictly for the masses,” minus the wardrobe malfunctions.
Of course, no major life update comes without a dash of humor. When pressed on potential baby names, Janette laughed: “If it’s a girl, something fierce like Zara. Boy? Tango or Rhythm—kidding, but only half.” Aljaz, feigning horror, added, “No dance terms. We want normalcy… or as normal as it gets with us.” Their banter, as effortless as a rumba routine, underscores why fans adore them: unpretentious, unbreakable, utterly themselves.
As the dust settles on this revelation, one thing’s clear: Aljaz and Janette aren’t just breaking silence—they’re harmonizing a new verse in their love song. In an era where celebrity splits dominate headlines, their story stands as a defiant pas de deux of commitment and creativity. And that universal fan chant? It’s more than vindication; it’s validation. They knew it because they’ve watched this couple defy gravity time and again. From the Blackpool Tower Ballroom to the nursery glow of family life, Aljaz and Janette remind us that the best updates aren’t scripted—they’re lived.
So, here’s to the Skorjanec-Manraras: may your second child arrive with impeccable timing, your academy spin the world into rhythm, and your silence henceforth be reserved only for the sweetest surprises. Strictly nation, what are you waiting for? Lace up those dancing shoes and join the chorus. We all knew it—and we’re thrilled to be right.
