Strictly Come Dancing couple announce exciting baby news 👶
Just as they were starting to plan IVF treatment
Massive congratulations are in order for Strictly Come Dancing professionals Janette Manrara and Aljaž Škorjanec, as the married couple have announced they are expecting their first child together!
The couple, who got married in 2017, announced their exciting news during a chat with HELLO!, revealing they've been trying to conceive for a while.
Candidly opening up about their journey to becoming parents, the couple admitted they were planning on starting IVF treatment, but Janette then took a positive pregnancy test in December.
Janette quit her role as a professional dancer on hit BBC show Strictly a number of years back, going on to host spin-off show It Takes Two, in order to try for a baby with her husband.
Speaking about her struggles to conceive, 39-year-old Janette told the publication: "For the past couple of years we hadn’t been using protection but nothing was happening, so we thought IVF was the next best thing for us to do.
"I turn 40 later this year and the NHS offers really good services to women under 40. The doctor said that as soon as I got my period we would start injections, but my period never came.
"I know that IVF can be really strenuous on a woman’s body and there is no guarantee it will work, so to know that this little miracle just came from a wonderful night we had together is amazing. I think the baby decided to make Mum and Dad panic a bit before saying, ‘ok, fine, I’m coming up now.'"
Speaking about his delight at the news, Aljaž said: "I was beside myself. I feel like I've been thinking and dreaming about that moment for so long. We were preparing for IVF mentally and physically and then it was just a relief to finally have that positive test. I have so much respect for any parent that goes through IVF, not just for what it puts them through physically but mentally too."
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After Janette stepped down as a dancer on Strictly, her husband Aljaž announced his departure following nine years on the show in March 2022.
Sharing an emotional statement at the time, he told fans: 'It went like this... We would like to offer you a position on @bbcstrictly as a professional dancer. A dream became a reality and it was the biggest opportunity for a 23 year old boy from Slovenia. It didn’t matter how many beautiful ballrooms I performed in during my competitive career, stepping onto the sacred Strictly floor was the most nervous I had ever been.
'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. @jasongilkison, @sarahjamesface, @kimwinston, @jack.will.g 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! And this is one thing that I know will never change on Strictly!
'Strictly also has the BEST backstage team - the hair and make-up team, costume department, lighting, sound, props and special effects, camera operators… THANK YOU!
'My beautiful partners.. It's hard to put into words how many beautiful memories we have had. I LOVE YOU ALL!
'To my bucka.. from picking songs, creating stories and choreographing steps we always did it as a team. Your talent and selflessness knows no bounds. We got to perform with Andrea Bocelli, Michael Buble, Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, BBC Symphony Orchestra.. moments I will keep in my heart forever. I LOVE YOU!
'And finally, thank YOU, the people that watch Strictly who have been so kind to me all these years. Every comment, vote, kind message never went unnoticed. You are the reason we all do it, thank you!
'I have lots of exciting stuff planned that I will fill you in on soon. I can't wait to see what the future holds!
'KEEEEEP DANCING! Aljaz x'. (sic)
Janette and Aljaž's first child is due later in the year.
Huge congratulations to the couple on their lovely news. 👶
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