BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Aljaz Skorjanec says 'here it goes' as fans react to major update

Aljaz Skorjanec has shared his first message since it was revealed he'll be returning to Strictly Come Dancing this year. It was revealed that the fan-favourite dancer will be waltzing back onto our screens for the 20th year of the BBC One dance contest, two years after his exit.

Aljaz, a 19-time Slovenian champion in Ballroom, Latin and Ten Dance, previously appeared on the hit dance show for nine series, lifting the Glitterball in his debut year with Abbey Clancy in 2013 before later being runner-up in 2017 with celebrity partner, and now friend, Gemma Atkinson.

As the news was revealed on Monday night (July 8), Aljaz said of his return in a statement: "I could not be more ecstatic to be back with the Strictly family! This year is such a special one for this legendary show, I can’t wait to be a part of it and make my return to the dancefloor."

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The dancer, who has become a first-time parent in his time away from the show alongside wife and former Strictly pro Janette Manrara, added: "I had an absolute ball during my nine year stint on Strictly, during my time away I became a parent, which has been an exciting challenge in itself and now I’m ready to experience the Strictly magic again."

He then took to social media and shared a snap of himself appearing all suited and booted. Alongside it, Aljaz wrote: "Here it goes... @bbcstrictly is back for the 20th anniversary this autumn…. and so am I!

"So grateful for this very special opportunity. Can’t wait to be back in that iconic ballroom, and to get the