Aljaz Skorjanec gave photographers a thumbs up as he was spotted for the first time since announcing he was quitting Strictly Come Dancing after nine years.
The professional dancer, 32, was seen leaving the Central Theatre in Chatham, Kent, with his wife Janette Manrara, 38, on Friday evening after they performed in Remembering The Oscars.
The couple were all smiles and Aljaz even gave a thumbs up as they left hand-in-hand, with Janette matching her blue leopard print bag to her husband’s hoody of the same colour and pattern.
It’s the first time Aljaz has been spotted since he announced he was leaving the show after nine years of partnering celebrities in the competition.
He said in a statement: ‘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. Louise Rainbow, Sarah James, Kim Winston, Jack Gledhill 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!’
The BBC added on Twitter: ‘After nine fabulous years on the show we are so sad to see Aljaž Škorjanec leave #Strictly. Thank you partner for everything.’
The dancer’s rep had been forced to deny claims Aljaz ‘verbally lashed out at crew’ before announcing he was leaving.
They told Metro.co.uk in a statement: ‘Aljaz has the utmost respect for everyone working on the show and it is untrue to say he acted in an aggressive manner at any time.’
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