Strictly's Aljaz Skorjanec addresses claims of huge 'bust-up with pro'

Strictly star Aljaž Škorjanec has spoken out about rumours of a drunken altercation with a fellow cast member, admitting it was "hard to read."

The professional dancer confirmed his return to the BBC dance show this year, but his comeback was shrouded with claims of an incident involving another dancer in 2022. 

The 34-year-old dancer reportedly left the show that year, with new claims suggesting his departure came shortly after the "shocking" incident with a female professional dancer during the Strictly tour. The star has now addressed the claims.

Speaking to The Daily Star, Aljaž said: "It's difficult to read. Of course it's hurtful. It's a bit out of my control. All I can do is have my chin up and move forward. That's the best thing to do."

He continued: "Strictly changed my life when I was in my early 20s. It gave me a chance to show my passion and love to dance. It is such an honour. I've always seen it that way. It just humbles you.

"All I've ever tried to do is my absolute best. All I've ever tried to do is my absolute best and contribute to Strictly in the best and the kindest possible way."

It comes after a source told The Sun that the BBC sparked outrage by bringing Aljaž back to the show, despite previous concerns about his behaviour.

They said: "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."

The dance show has been embroiled in controversy in recent months, with claims of inappropriate and abusive behaviour involving male dancers, Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima.

Back in March 2022, Aljaž revealed he had quit the show to become a dad and pursue other opportunities in the industry. In an emotional statement, he said at the time: "It didn't matter how many beautiful ballrooms I performed in during my competitive career," he added, "stepping onto the sacred Strictly floor was the most nervous I'd ever been.

"A little while ago I made the decision that 2021 would be my last. The show has given me the opportunity and freedom to create and express myself in front of millions of people every weekend for the last nine years."

The star is currently competing in the competition with Love Island star Tasha Ghouri.