‘No support’ Strictlys Aljaz Skorjanec fumes at being told he had to change career

Strictly: Janette and Aljaz dance to Ed Sheeran

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Strictly Come Dancing favourite Aljaz Skorjanec, 31, has opened up about his disappointment at the way dancers have been treated during the Covid pandemic. The cultural sector was one of the worst hit by the pandemic, as theatres closed and events were called off during lockdown.

Aljaz made the comments on BBC presenter Clara Amfo’s This City podcast.

The dancer began by saying that he was amazed by the appreciation for art in the UK and that there is “nowhere better to be”.

Aljaz then turned the conversation to discuss how angry he was with the way dancers have been treated during Covid and how it contradicted the country’s love for the arts.

He explained: “During Covid, it went completely the opposite way. There was absolutely no support, absolutely no understanding.

“I mean, people were even told to retrain themselves. People were told to, you know, become a mechanic! You can point your toes but now you need to fix a car.

“I was really amazed by that. I was so impressed with the UK and how much people love arts, and then I was so amazed at the same level how little support artists got through the toughest times.

“Now things are slowly getting better because theatres are reopening, shows are coming back, but I do hope that there’s not going to be a generation of talent missing because of how things were dealt with.”

Aljaz added that he thinks dancers are more at risk than other members of the creative industry.

The Strictly star continued: “If you become the most successful actor in the world, you’re financially sorted for life, your whole family tree is financially sorted for life.

“With dancing, that’s not really the case.”

He quickly added that he “wasn’t complaining” but that he was “really amazed by the lack of support”.

Aljaz joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2013, at the same time as his now wife Janette Manrara, 38.

DON’T MISS
Christian Horner’s famous wife Geri ‘utterly broken’ behind scenes[INSIGHT]
Pregnant Helen Skelton forced to rush to ’emergency’ appointment[LATEST]
Emma Raducanu speaks out on Lewis Hamilton relationship[NEWS]

The couple wowed Strictly fans during last night’s grand finale and Janette made her return to the ballroom.

They wowed the crowd with a routine to Ed Sheeran’s Bad Habits in her first Strictly routine since hosting spin-off It Takes Two.

Fans were delighted to see the pair dancing together again and many took to Twitter to share their thoughts.

Former Strictly pro James Jordan said: “Love Ed Sheeran and that dance from Aljaz and Janette was exceptional.”

Actress Amanda Mealing penned: “Hello?! Janette and Aljaz?!?! She’s throwing herself around, well he is throwing her around…stunning dance.”

Journalist Emma Bullimore echoed: “Janette and Aljaz back on the dance floor together! Yay! Lovely touch, one big happy family and all that.”

Tilly Pearce added: “Janette and Aljaz together!! Not gonna lie, needed this as a break during the absolute blubfest of this evening. My head hurts.”

Source: Read Full Article