Tensions are reportedly running high among the cast and crew of Strictly Come Dancing following the announcement of professional dancer Aljaž Škorjanec’s return to the show.
The Slovenian dancer, 34, is set to make his comeback two years after his initial exit, despite rumours of a previous backstage confrontation with a female dancer.
According to reports from The Sun, Aljaž departed the BBC show following an alleged altercation during the 2022 live tour, which has left some within the show shocked and frustrated by his return.
While Aljaž had been marketed as a beloved and uncontroversial returning figure, insiders suggest there’s more to the story.
A source close to the show claims that the incident in question involved Aljaž becoming intoxicated during a night out while on tour, which escalated into a ‘serious and unsettling’ confrontation with a fellow female dancer.
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The incident reportedly left the female dancer feeling extremely uncomfortable, and many within the Strictly team were relieved when Aljaž stepped away from the series.
‘People were glad to see him go two years ago, and now they’re astonished he’s coming back,’ the source told The Sun. ‘Bringing him back, given everything that went on, has baffled the crew. The rumors about what happened were talked about extensively behind the scenes.’
Despite the internal controversy, the BBC has denied receiving any official complaints about Aljaž’s behavior and reiterated that his original departure was voluntary.
Additionally, The Sun reported that the broadcaster has stated they do not recognize the claims being made about Aljaž’s conduct.
Representatives for the dancer has now denied all claims that he behaved aggressively, telling The Independent: ‘Aljaž has the utmost respect for everyone he works with. He chose to leave the show in 2022 of his own accord but he has always loved Strictly and was delighted to be asked back.’
Aljaž’s representatives have yet to issue a statement regarding the allegations.
The dancer’s return comes at a time when Strictly Come Dancing has faced criticism for the behavior of some of its male professionals.
Amanda Abbington 50, was partnered with Giovanni Pernice, 33, on the show, later describing him as ‘nasty’ and claiming that he exhibited ‘bullying’ behaviour.
The professional dancer, who was confirmed to have left Strictly in June when the pro line-up was announced, is currently under investigation following the allegations made against him, which he strenuously denies.
Graziano Di Prima, 30, also departed from Strictly after claims he ‘kicked’ Zara McDermott, 27. He later said he ‘wasn’t meaning to kick’ the former Love Island star.
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