Strictly cast 'furious' over Aljaz Skorjanec return after huge 'bust-up with female pro'

Strictly Come Dancing professional Aljaž Škorjanec has found himself at the centre of a backstage drama, reportedly clashing with a female co-star prior to his anticipated return to the hit BBC dance show.

Set to rejoin the Strictly cast for the upcoming 20th series, Aljaž's comeback is shrouded in whispers of an incident involving another dancer during the 2022 Strictly live tour. He stepped back from the series that year, with reports now claiming his departure came shortly after the "shocking" incident occurred on the nationwide tour.

The decision to bring him back has reportedly sparked fury amongst the cast, especially given the string of scandals that have swarmed the show in recent months.

A source told The Sun: "Has the BBC learned nothing from the past ten months? Amid ongoing furore around the behaviour of its male pros, they actively recruited a dancer who left under a cloud."

"Aljaž was touted as an unproblematic, returning legend but that couldn't be further from the truth." The source claimed the cast and crew were "relieved" when he announced his departure but are now "aghast" to see him back on the show.

The insider alleges that Aljaž got "very drunk" and ended up in a "very serious, pretty shocking altercation" with a female professional. The unidentified dancer reportedly felt "deeply uncomfortable" over the incident, which the source said was "widely discussed backstage".

The source added: "It’s baffling to those on the inside how the BBC thought they could get away with this, and a lot of people involved with this year’s series are deeply uncomfortable with the situation."

Responding to the claims, a representative for the Slovenian dancer said: "Aljaž has the utmost respect for everyone he works with. He chose to leave the show in 2022 of his own accord, wanting to spend time with his family, but he has always loved Strictly and was delighted to be asked back.

"It is untrue to say or suggest he was forced out or that he acted in an aggressive manner at any time. He is excited to make his return to the dance floor this year."

Aljaž return unfolds against a backdrop of ongoing disputes, including the BBC launching an investigation into Giovanni Pernice's alleged misconduct. Amanda Abbington has made several accusations against him, branding his alleged behaviour as "unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean".

Giovanni has denied all accusations against him, while the BBC are expected to conclude the investigation in the coming days.

Meanwhile Graziano Di Prima found himself axed from the Strictly line-up following his admission of kicking his dance partner Zara McDermott.