EXCLUSIVE: Aljaz Skorjanec announced he is returning to Strictly Come Dancing for their 20th anniversary earlier this week. Now, experts believe he will “refresh” the show’s image

Aljaz Skorjanec’s Strictly return will “bring show back to its best”, experts claim.

On Monday (July 8), loyal fans of the BBC One competition rejoiced as the professional dancer confirmed he is returning to the show for the 20th anniversary. The Slovenian dancer, 34, told fans how he hopes to make his one-year-old proud following his two-year hiatus.

Speaking about his return on The One Show, the dancer gushed: “What haven’t I missed. I got to look after my beautiful wife, my beautiful baby for two years. But I missed everything about Strictly.

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“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.”

Aljaž Škorjanec is returning to Strictly Come Dancing for the 20th anniversary (Image: BBC)
It comes after Giovanni Pernice revealed he would not be joining the star-studded line up for the brand-new series this autumn. The Sicilian dancer was snubbed by the BBC show last month while an internal investigation is being carried out.

The investigation was called following allegations of workplace misconduct during last year’s series. Partner Amanda Abbington quit to competition after just five weeks, amid rumours of a rift between her and the pro dancer.

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After the show, she claimed the process caused her to develop post-traumatic stress disorder. Since then, several other stars who have previously worked with Giovanni have come forward, including Laura Whitmore and Ranvir Singh.

BBC bosses confirmed Giovanni Pernice will not return for the anniversary special (Image: PA)
Despite his absence, BBC bosses have revealed several other professionals will grace the dancefloor including Neil Jones, Amy Dowden and reigning champion Vito Coppola. Now, celebrity PR experts have exclusively revealed to Daily Star what this will mean for the beloved dance program.

PR guru Ed Hopkins told us: “The announcement of Aljaž Škorjanec’s return to Strictly Come Dancing for its monumental 20th anniversary series is undoubtedly thrilling for fans of the show. Aljaž has always been a fan-favourite, bringing immense talent, charisma, and energy to the dance floor.

“His return is likely to inject fresh excitement into the series and rekindle the magic that viewers have cherished over the years.” Discussing Giovanni’s controversial exit, he added: “While some might speculate that this could be a strategic move by the BBC to shift the spotlight away from the recent drama involving Giovanni Pernice, it’s important to focus on the positive impact Aljaž’s return will have on the show.

Amy Dowden, Neil Jones and reigning champ Vito Coppola will be returning too (Image: Darren Quinton/Birmingham Live)
“His presence alone is enough to reignite enthusiasm and remind audiences of the joyous, celebratory spirit that Strictly embodies. Moreover, having Aljaž back on the show could indeed help steer the competition away from any negative press and back to what it does best – showcasing incredible dancing talent to the show’s commitment to maintaining its legacy of entertainment and excellence.”

He added: “Bringing back a beloved figure like Aljaž Škorjanec is a brilliant move by the BBC. It not only delights long-time fans but also reinforces the show’s enduring appeal, ensuring that Strictly Come Dancing continues to be a beloved staple in British television.”

And Ed’s not the only expert who believes Aljaž’s return is a brilliant move by the BBC to shed the controversy surrounding the reality show. Brand and PR culture expert Rochelle White added that the return of the Latin dancer will “refresh the series” ahead of the milestone anniversary.

PR experts believe his return will “bring the show back to its best” (Image: PA)
She explained: “I think that the BBC like to be brand safe and so naturally will want to avoid anything that will highlight the dramas and issues around Giovanni, the scandal and the show. I think that is why having Aljaž Škorjanec back on the show and highlighting that is key for them.

“It refreshes the show, tries to keep the headlines positive and creates positive attention, which I think the teams will be wanting. This is a great way to refresh the show which is a staple favourite for millions of viewers.

“Although there has been a decline in viewership, so this could be a great way to increase viewership for this season,” she added. Fans will have to tune in to see which celebrity partner the dad-of-one will be teamed up with for the anniversary series.

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