Strictly pros Aljaz Skorjanec and Janette Manrara make one seriously cute couple – but they’re being kept apart by their work.
Both competing in the current series, the BBC’s Covid safety rules means the couple are separated until they’re both eliminated or one of them wins the competition.
And Aljaz, who’s partnered with Radio 1’s Clara Amfo, has admitted it’s been a tough few weeks without his wife as they adjust to living without each other for the first time in a decade.
“I can’t kiss or hug no-one in the world now, and I feel like all of us dancers are so – we’re always happy to see anyone,” he shared.
“But we are so determined to do our absolute best to make sure that we stay safe, that the show stays safe, that our celebrities stay safe, and that’s really our priority up until the final.
(Image: PA Wire/Press Association Images)
“We’re both focused on the job and there’s going to be plenty of hugs and kisses after Strictly finishes.”
Janette is partnered with YouTuber turned singing sensation HRVY, currently one of the the favourites to lift the Glitterball Trophy alongside EastEnders actress Maisie Smith.
Despite his heartache at not being with Janette, Aljaz is just glad that Strictly could even go ahead.
(Image: Getty Images)
(Image: PA)
He added: “We are both just so happy that Strictly is going ahead this year, and the smallest sacrifice we made is to be apart. We are both so excited to dance again and to work and to teach and to be on the best show on television.”
And although the couple, who tied the knot in 2017, can’t wait to be back together again, their hectic training schedules have made their time apart easier.
“I just literally wake up, go to rehearsals, come home and then do it again and Janette does the same,” Aljaz remarked.
(Image: PA)
And full of praise for his dance partner and new mate Clara, he said: “So yeah, we’re really, really focused on the actual job making sure that Clara smashes every single week on the dance floor.”
So far only Jacqui Smith and pro Anton du Beke have been eliminated from the competition, with another celeb facing the axe this Sunday.
*Strictly airs on BBC One tonight at 7:25pm.