REVIEW
✭✭✭✭☆ 4/5
ALJAŽ AND JANETTE
DANCING IN A WINTER WONDERLAND
Strictly Legends Aljaž & Janette return with a brand new festive smash hit show ‘Dancing In A Winter Wonderland’
Cliffs Pavilion, Southend
1st December 2023
✭✭✭✭☆ 4/5
ALJAŽ AND JANETTE
DANCING IN A WINTER WONDERLAND
Strictly Legends Aljaž & Janette return with a brand new festive smash hit show ‘Dancing In A Winter Wonderland’
Cliffs Pavilion, Southend
1st December 2023
As if by magic, on the first day of December, we had a flurry of snow in Southend. On the same day, Strictly favourites Aljaz and Janette arrived in town with their Dancing In A Winter Wonderland Christmas Spectacular. Such is the popularity of these two dance stars that they performed both matinee and evening performances on Friday at the Cliffs Pavilion.
After an opening medley of Christmas hits performed by the supporting dance company and singers, Aljaz and Janette make their first appearance, to the delight of their adoring fans, dancing to Andy Williams’ The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year.
The show is divided into sections, exploring all the different elements of Christmas. Life has changed hugely for Aljaz and Janette since they last toured a year ago. They have become parents, so for them this coming Christmas has new purpose and significance. It is clear that they are utterly besotted with their little girl, Lyra, who, from the photos they share during the show, is the image of her daddy, and has his big smile and sense of humour already.
There is, of course, lots of banter and chat between the dance numbers. Aljaz, as we all know, is a born clown with an irrepressible naughty side. No opportunity is missed to send himself, and everyone else up at any moment. He is a great entertainer, as well as a great dancer.
Janette gives us a ‘tongue-in-cheek’ version of how she first met Aljaz, when she was dancing in London. It was of course, love at first sight for both of them, who were of course, dancing with different partners at the time.
It’s interesting to watch them dance with other people. Aljaz is partnered by tall, blonde Faye Huddlestone, whilst Janette has a great time ‘burning the floor’ with Robbie Kmetoni.
Both these dancers are more height appropriate, but somehow, when Aljaz and Janette are back in each other’s arms, dancing with each other, their chemistry is palpable. They just fit each other, and are glorious to behold as they whirl around the floor.
During the first half, we get both their choices of perfect Christmas music. For Aljaz, it is the Rat Pack, with Dean Martin proving a favourite, whilst for Janette, it is Disney. She, of course, makes a perfect Disney Princess. Selections from Beauty And The Beast, and Frozen are highlights, with a high octane disco finale bringing the first half to a close.
The second part of the show becomes much more visually Christmassy with dancing soldiers and fairies coming to life, seemingly straight from the tree, in a real Nutcracker-style scene. The projections throughout are beautiful.
However, the best is most definitely saved until last with a red hot Carnival number, representing Janette’s childhood in a very hot Miami, before we are taken straight off to New York and Radio City Music Hall, as for her, being a Rockette, in the famous Christmas Spectacular was the ultimate dream.
Most poignantly, the main part of the show ends with a thrilling company version of Fairytale Of New York which was obviously chosen long before the passing, only last week, of Shane McGowan. This number is a truly fitting tribute, and gives us that truly stirring Riverdance element.
A final disco medley brings this joyous show to an end, with the entire audience on their feet, clapping and boogying along.
Whenever one of these dance shows comes to town, it is impossible not to be utterly amazed by the sheer talent and stamina of these incredible artists and their supporting company. They dance full out all night, in number after number, only leaving the stage to change costumes, and yet they make it look so effortless, with big smiles on their faces at the end. Janette in particular, looks stunning in every costume she wears, and also shows that she can hold a tune or two, with a fine singing voice. Aljaz reminds us that it is only three months since she gave birth, and that she has danced non stop, through not one, but TWO shows that day. Looking at her svelte figure, you would never know!
If you want a fine night out, celebrating all things Christmas, with some great song and dance, then catch this show on one of it’s remaining dates on the tour which carries on until December 19th.
Review: Andrew Walters
After an opening medley of Christmas hits performed by the supporting dance company and singers, Aljaz and Janette make their first appearance, to the delight of their adoring fans, dancing to Andy Williams’ The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year.
The show is divided into sections, exploring all the different elements of Christmas. Life has changed hugely for Aljaz and Janette since they last toured a year ago. They have become parents, so for them this coming Christmas has new purpose and significance. It is clear that they are utterly besotted with their little girl, Lyra, who, from the photos they share during the show, is the image of her daddy, and has his big smile and sense of humour already.
There is, of course, lots of banter and chat between the dance numbers. Aljaz, as we all know, is a born clown with an irrepressible naughty side. No opportunity is missed to send himself, and everyone else up at any moment. He is a great entertainer, as well as a great dancer.
Janette gives us a ‘tongue-in-cheek’ version of how she first met Aljaz, when she was dancing in London. It was of course, love at first sight for both of them, who were of course, dancing with different partners at the time.
It’s interesting to watch them dance with other people. Aljaz is partnered by tall, blonde Faye Huddlestone, whilst Janette has a great time ‘burning the floor’ with Robbie Kmetoni.
Both these dancers are more height appropriate, but somehow, when Aljaz and Janette are back in each other’s arms, dancing with each other, their chemistry is palpable. They just fit each other, and are glorious to behold as they whirl around the floor.
During the first half, we get both their choices of perfect Christmas music. For Aljaz, it is the Rat Pack, with Dean Martin proving a favourite, whilst for Janette, it is Disney. She, of course, makes a perfect Disney Princess. Selections from Beauty And The Beast, and Frozen are highlights, with a high octane disco finale bringing the first half to a close.
The second part of the show becomes much more visually Christmassy with dancing soldiers and fairies coming to life, seemingly straight from the tree, in a real Nutcracker-style scene. The projections throughout are beautiful.
However, the best is most definitely saved until last with a red hot Carnival number, representing Janette’s childhood in a very hot Miami, before we are taken straight off to New York and Radio City Music Hall, as for her, being a Rockette, in the famous Christmas Spectacular was the ultimate dream.
Most poignantly, the main part of the show ends with a thrilling company version of Fairytale Of New York which was obviously chosen long before the passing, only last week, of Shane McGowan. This number is a truly fitting tribute, and gives us that truly stirring Riverdance element.
A final disco medley brings this joyous show to an end, with the entire audience on their feet, clapping and boogying along.
Whenever one of these dance shows comes to town, it is impossible not to be utterly amazed by the sheer talent and stamina of these incredible artists and their supporting company. They dance full out all night, in number after number, only leaving the stage to change costumes, and yet they make it look so effortless, with big smiles on their faces at the end. Janette in particular, looks stunning in every costume she wears, and also shows that she can hold a tune or two, with a fine singing voice. Aljaz reminds us that it is only three months since she gave birth, and that she has danced non stop, through not one, but TWO shows that day. Looking at her svelte figure, you would never know!
If you want a fine night out, celebrating all things Christmas, with some great song and dance, then catch this show on one of it’s remaining dates on the tour which carries on until December 19th.
Review: Andrew Walters
Check out this fab INTERVIEW with Aljaž & Janette
Dancing is their whole world, Janette Manrara and Aljaž Skorjanec will tell you, with little or no prompting. Well, it was and then that world was turned upside down.
Lyra Rose, a child they were beginning to think might never bless their marriage, was born on July 28 and life hasn’t been the same since.
She was delivered by Caesarean section because of Janette’s petite frame. “I’m so small and Aljaž is six foot four so I was advised that I might struggle if the baby turned out to be large.” In the event, Lyra weighed in at a healthy 7lbs 7oz.
“It was the best day,” says her adoring mum. “We were both so happy. We had music playing in the delivery room and we were singing along. She was born to the song, Little Bitty Pretty One.”
And she turns out to be a good ‘un. She’s a sleeper – often for five or six hours at night – and then either parent will get up to feed her by bottle.
“Because I had to get back to hosting It Takes Two [Strictly’s weekday spin-off show], it made sense for me to bottle-feed her as I’m away from home for a couple of days each week. We were lucky she took to the bottle from Day One.”
When Lyra was six weeks old, Janette, 39, began doing gentle exercises. Looking at her now, you’d never guess she’d given birth three months ago.
“I’m working with two women. One of them specialises in post-partum training for athletes, the other in pelvic floor recovery. My skin has tightened up pretty quickly; and the scars are already fading.”
Just as well because she and Aljaz are about to embark on a 17-date UK tour, Dancing in a Winter Wonderland, kicking off in Portsmouth on November 21. The show will visit the Cliffs Pavilion, Southend on 1st December.
We’re joined by Aljaž, 33, complete with wraparound smile. “We waited so long for Lyra,” he says. “Now we have her and it’s the best feeling in the world.”
After failing to conceive, the couple were days away from going for Janette’s first IVF injections – she’d already started on a course of pills – when she fell pregnant naturally.
He's certainly taken to daddy duties, as he calls them. “I love looking after her. I’m at home the whole time now so, when Janette is in London for It Takes Two, it’s all down to me. I’m really enjoying the fact I can be there with her full-time for the first months of her life.”
Fatherhood doesn’t faze him. “It’s pretty straightforward: she’ll cry if she’s hungry or needs changing or is ready for a sleep. And I’m there for her.” So, how good is he with a nappy? “I’ve got it down to one minute, a Formula I pit-stop.”
For the first years of their relationship and subsequent marriage (in 2017), Aljaž and Janette lived in north London. Today, they are talking via Zoom from their new home near Wilmslow in Cheshire. Why the move north?
Says Aljaž: “I partnered Gemma Atkinson on Strictly in 2017 and she was based in Manchester where she presents a breakfast radio show. I got to know the area and the countryside around it and I liked what I saw, particularly the south side of the city. It was so green; it reminded me of my home in Slovenia.
“Gemma and I got to the final of Strictly so we were rehearsing in Manchester for the full run of the show. And the local people were so friendly. It made me think I’d like to live there one day.
“When we wanted to start a family, we went to look at properties around Wilmslow and fell in love with the house where we now live.”
But how does that work with Janette’s TV commitments in London at the moment? “I don’t present It Takes Two every day,” she explains. “I share the role with Fleur East who I got to know really well on the live Strictly tour last year. She’s terrific: she gets a 10 from me.
“As for travel, the trains are pretty good. It takes me just under two hours to get from Wilmslow to London’s Euston. When we lived in north London, it could take a good hour-and-a-half in the car to drive to the rehearsal rooms in Fulham.”
What about Aljaž? Hand on heart, is he missing dancing? “Not as much as I thought I would,” he says. “Anyone who’s looking after a baby will know that it’s a 24/7 commitment. You have to be very disciplined, very efficient.
“But yes, I do miss performing. I do miss what I love doing the most. I have to be honest, though: what I’ve loved doing the most the last twelve weeks and three days is being a dad.”
He’s had a little help from his mother, Natasa, over from Slovenia for a couple of visits, and Janette’s Cuban mum, Maritza, flying in from Miami.
Natasa and his sister, Lara, will be helping out with Lyra during the rehearsal period for Dancing in a Winter Wonderland and Maritza will be back to cover the tour.
He makes no secret of the fact that he can’t wait for baby Number Two, something about which Janette, unsurprisingly, has a view. “We definitely want Lyra to have a sibling,” she says. “We both come from close families and we’d like that for her.
“But, because of my C-section, I’ve got to wait until I’ve fully recovered before I fall pregnant again. This was major abdominal surgery.” So, when would she like that to be? “Yesterday,” says Aljaž, unable to resist butting in.
Traditionally, the couple would alternate Christmas in Slovenia one year, Miami the next. Lyra’s arrival has changed all that. “We’re staying home this year. But, because we love Christmas, we decided on a tour celebrating our favourite time of the year.
It is a brand new show featuring what Janette describes as everybody’s favourite music. Accompanying them on stage will be eight dancers – four male, four female – and two singers.
What are her personal highlights? “An instrumental section featuring the music from Edward Scissorhands, so beautiful to dance to. By contrast, there’s a megamix of all the best seasonal tunes ending with Mariah Carey’s All I Want For Christmas.
“There’s a little bit of everything. I even get to sing Santa Baby. And there’s loads of new content, including a whole New York City session this year – from Frank Sinatra to jazz tunes – that we didn’t have in last year’s show.”
She will barely have time to digest her Christmas pud before she sets out on the road as the host of the Strictly 2024 tour, a mix of celebs and professional dancers.
It kicks off with five shows in Birmingham from January 19 and finishes with five shows at London’s O2 arena from February 9, 28 performances in total.
By then, of course, this year’s winner of Strictly will have held the much-prized glitterball aloft. So, who’s it going to be?
“I honestly don’t know,” says Janette. “This year, more than most, it could be anyone. Layton and Nikita have been strong from the get-go. Angela Scanlon and Carlos Gu have surprised everyone. Nigel Harman and Katya Jones opened the series with an amazing paso doble; I think we’ve got more to come from them.”
Who else? “I never thought I’d say this but Angela Rippon, at 79, is a front-runner with Kai Widdrington. And don’t discount Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola: their jive blew me away. I think she may turn out to be the dark horse of this contest.”
And Aljaz? “Whoever is the cleverest at interpreting their dances as the competition progresses. The longer it goes on, the individual dances become more important than the popularity of the celebrities. And any of the people Janette has mentioned are capable of pulling it out of the bag.”
Finally, if Lyra turns round in 10 years’ time and says she wants to go to dance school, what will be her parents’ reaction? “Absolutely,” says Janette. “Look at the life dance has given us. We’re both big believers in following your dreams.”
Says Aljaz: “But, if she says she wants to be a doctor, that would be good, too.” Janette agrees. “You don’t work a day in your life if you’re doing something you love.”
dancinginawinterwonderland.com
Lyra Rose, a child they were beginning to think might never bless their marriage, was born on July 28 and life hasn’t been the same since.
She was delivered by Caesarean section because of Janette’s petite frame. “I’m so small and Aljaž is six foot four so I was advised that I might struggle if the baby turned out to be large.” In the event, Lyra weighed in at a healthy 7lbs 7oz.
“It was the best day,” says her adoring mum. “We were both so happy. We had music playing in the delivery room and we were singing along. She was born to the song, Little Bitty Pretty One.”
And she turns out to be a good ‘un. She’s a sleeper – often for five or six hours at night – and then either parent will get up to feed her by bottle.
“Because I had to get back to hosting It Takes Two [Strictly’s weekday spin-off show], it made sense for me to bottle-feed her as I’m away from home for a couple of days each week. We were lucky she took to the bottle from Day One.”
When Lyra was six weeks old, Janette, 39, began doing gentle exercises. Looking at her now, you’d never guess she’d given birth three months ago.
“I’m working with two women. One of them specialises in post-partum training for athletes, the other in pelvic floor recovery. My skin has tightened up pretty quickly; and the scars are already fading.”
Just as well because she and Aljaz are about to embark on a 17-date UK tour, Dancing in a Winter Wonderland, kicking off in Portsmouth on November 21. The show will visit the Cliffs Pavilion, Southend on 1st December.
We’re joined by Aljaž, 33, complete with wraparound smile. “We waited so long for Lyra,” he says. “Now we have her and it’s the best feeling in the world.”
After failing to conceive, the couple were days away from going for Janette’s first IVF injections – she’d already started on a course of pills – when she fell pregnant naturally.
He's certainly taken to daddy duties, as he calls them. “I love looking after her. I’m at home the whole time now so, when Janette is in London for It Takes Two, it’s all down to me. I’m really enjoying the fact I can be there with her full-time for the first months of her life.”
Fatherhood doesn’t faze him. “It’s pretty straightforward: she’ll cry if she’s hungry or needs changing or is ready for a sleep. And I’m there for her.” So, how good is he with a nappy? “I’ve got it down to one minute, a Formula I pit-stop.”
For the first years of their relationship and subsequent marriage (in 2017), Aljaž and Janette lived in north London. Today, they are talking via Zoom from their new home near Wilmslow in Cheshire. Why the move north?
Says Aljaž: “I partnered Gemma Atkinson on Strictly in 2017 and she was based in Manchester where she presents a breakfast radio show. I got to know the area and the countryside around it and I liked what I saw, particularly the south side of the city. It was so green; it reminded me of my home in Slovenia.
“Gemma and I got to the final of Strictly so we were rehearsing in Manchester for the full run of the show. And the local people were so friendly. It made me think I’d like to live there one day.
“When we wanted to start a family, we went to look at properties around Wilmslow and fell in love with the house where we now live.”
But how does that work with Janette’s TV commitments in London at the moment? “I don’t present It Takes Two every day,” she explains. “I share the role with Fleur East who I got to know really well on the live Strictly tour last year. She’s terrific: she gets a 10 from me.
“As for travel, the trains are pretty good. It takes me just under two hours to get from Wilmslow to London’s Euston. When we lived in north London, it could take a good hour-and-a-half in the car to drive to the rehearsal rooms in Fulham.”
What about Aljaž? Hand on heart, is he missing dancing? “Not as much as I thought I would,” he says. “Anyone who’s looking after a baby will know that it’s a 24/7 commitment. You have to be very disciplined, very efficient.
“But yes, I do miss performing. I do miss what I love doing the most. I have to be honest, though: what I’ve loved doing the most the last twelve weeks and three days is being a dad.”
He’s had a little help from his mother, Natasa, over from Slovenia for a couple of visits, and Janette’s Cuban mum, Maritza, flying in from Miami.
Natasa and his sister, Lara, will be helping out with Lyra during the rehearsal period for Dancing in a Winter Wonderland and Maritza will be back to cover the tour.
He makes no secret of the fact that he can’t wait for baby Number Two, something about which Janette, unsurprisingly, has a view. “We definitely want Lyra to have a sibling,” she says. “We both come from close families and we’d like that for her.
“But, because of my C-section, I’ve got to wait until I’ve fully recovered before I fall pregnant again. This was major abdominal surgery.” So, when would she like that to be? “Yesterday,” says Aljaž, unable to resist butting in.
Traditionally, the couple would alternate Christmas in Slovenia one year, Miami the next. Lyra’s arrival has changed all that. “We’re staying home this year. But, because we love Christmas, we decided on a tour celebrating our favourite time of the year.
It is a brand new show featuring what Janette describes as everybody’s favourite music. Accompanying them on stage will be eight dancers – four male, four female – and two singers.
What are her personal highlights? “An instrumental section featuring the music from Edward Scissorhands, so beautiful to dance to. By contrast, there’s a megamix of all the best seasonal tunes ending with Mariah Carey’s All I Want For Christmas.
“There’s a little bit of everything. I even get to sing Santa Baby. And there’s loads of new content, including a whole New York City session this year – from Frank Sinatra to jazz tunes – that we didn’t have in last year’s show.”
She will barely have time to digest her Christmas pud before she sets out on the road as the host of the Strictly 2024 tour, a mix of celebs and professional dancers.
It kicks off with five shows in Birmingham from January 19 and finishes with five shows at London’s O2 arena from February 9, 28 performances in total.
By then, of course, this year’s winner of Strictly will have held the much-prized glitterball aloft. So, who’s it going to be?
“I honestly don’t know,” says Janette. “This year, more than most, it could be anyone. Layton and Nikita have been strong from the get-go. Angela Scanlon and Carlos Gu have surprised everyone. Nigel Harman and Katya Jones opened the series with an amazing paso doble; I think we’ve got more to come from them.”
Who else? “I never thought I’d say this but Angela Rippon, at 79, is a front-runner with Kai Widdrington. And don’t discount Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola: their jive blew me away. I think she may turn out to be the dark horse of this contest.”
And Aljaz? “Whoever is the cleverest at interpreting their dances as the competition progresses. The longer it goes on, the individual dances become more important than the popularity of the celebrities. And any of the people Janette has mentioned are capable of pulling it out of the bag.”
Finally, if Lyra turns round in 10 years’ time and says she wants to go to dance school, what will be her parents’ reaction? “Absolutely,” says Janette. “Look at the life dance has given us. We’re both big believers in following your dreams.”
Says Aljaz: “But, if she says she wants to be a doctor, that would be good, too.” Janette agrees. “You don’t work a day in your life if you’re doing something you love.”
dancinginawinterwonderland.com
Strictly legends Janette Manrara & Aljaž Škorjanec have announced they will be returning to theatres across the UK with another hugely entertaining festive song and dance extravaganza called Dancing In A Winter Wonderland.
This brand-new offering follows on from last year’s sell-out debut festive spectacular A Christmas To Remember, where Janette & Aljaž made good on their promise to deliver the ultimate Christmas jukebox dance show.
Now, the dance stars and, of course, Santa Claus are coming to town for Dancing In A Winter Wonderland, a not-to-be-missed Christmas cracker of a show that’s set to be bigger and better for 2023.
Combining world-class choreography, fabulous costumes and amazing sets with the greatest hits of Christmas, Strictly’s most celebrated couple will once again be joined by a supporting cast featuring some of the UK’s very best dancers and singers as they countdown to Christmas Day.
Jam-packed with breathtaking dance routines and yuletide favourites for all the family, this feel-good production will also be Janette & Aljaž’s first shows since becoming parents.
The 17-date tour begins in Portsmouth on 21st November and ends in Bath on 19th December, and includes additional matinee performances in Truro (22nd Nov), Southend (1st Dec) and Bath (19th Dec), and a gala performance at The London Coliseum on (8th December).
Tickets are available from all venues now, www.ticketmaster.co.uk and www.DancingInAWinterWonderland.com
Looking ahead to their new tour, Janette said, “We are so happy to be touring again with a brand-new family Christmas show. The reaction to last year’s show was truly special, so we’re creating an even sparklier winter wonderland for everybody to enjoy. We can’t wait to share it with everybody!”
Aljaž said, “Janette and I can’t wait to tour the UK again with Dancing In A Winter Wonderland, so get ready to shake your baubles and celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with us on what promises to be a magical journey of festive song and dance.”
Janette joined Strictly Come Dancing’s cast of professional dancers in 2013, starring in eight series, before announcing in 2021 that she would be stepping down as a competitor to co-host Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two.
During her time on Strictly, Janette’s celebrity dance partners included actor Jake Wood, singer Peter Andre, JLS star Aston Merrygold, doctor and TV presenter Ranj Singh and Paralympian Will Bayley MBE. For her final series in 2020, Janette was partnered with singer and TV presenter HRVY, where they finished the series as runners-up in the final.
Aljaž also joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2013, starring in the following nine series to becoming one of the longest-serving male dancers in the show’s history. In his first series, Aljaž was partnered with model Abbey Clancy, with the pair going on to lift the coveted Glitterball trophy.
His other celebrity dance partners included Dragon’s Den star Sarah Davies MBE, model Daisy Lowe, TV presenter Alison Hammond and actress Gemma Atkinson, with whom he reached the final in 2017.
The full list of tour dates for ‘Dancing In A Winter Wonderland’ is as follows (*includes matinee and evening performances):
This brand-new offering follows on from last year’s sell-out debut festive spectacular A Christmas To Remember, where Janette & Aljaž made good on their promise to deliver the ultimate Christmas jukebox dance show.
Now, the dance stars and, of course, Santa Claus are coming to town for Dancing In A Winter Wonderland, a not-to-be-missed Christmas cracker of a show that’s set to be bigger and better for 2023.
Combining world-class choreography, fabulous costumes and amazing sets with the greatest hits of Christmas, Strictly’s most celebrated couple will once again be joined by a supporting cast featuring some of the UK’s very best dancers and singers as they countdown to Christmas Day.
Jam-packed with breathtaking dance routines and yuletide favourites for all the family, this feel-good production will also be Janette & Aljaž’s first shows since becoming parents.
The 17-date tour begins in Portsmouth on 21st November and ends in Bath on 19th December, and includes additional matinee performances in Truro (22nd Nov), Southend (1st Dec) and Bath (19th Dec), and a gala performance at The London Coliseum on (8th December).
Tickets are available from all venues now, www.ticketmaster.co.uk and www.DancingInAWinterWonderland.com
Looking ahead to their new tour, Janette said, “We are so happy to be touring again with a brand-new family Christmas show. The reaction to last year’s show was truly special, so we’re creating an even sparklier winter wonderland for everybody to enjoy. We can’t wait to share it with everybody!”
Aljaž said, “Janette and I can’t wait to tour the UK again with Dancing In A Winter Wonderland, so get ready to shake your baubles and celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with us on what promises to be a magical journey of festive song and dance.”
Janette joined Strictly Come Dancing’s cast of professional dancers in 2013, starring in eight series, before announcing in 2021 that she would be stepping down as a competitor to co-host Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two.
During her time on Strictly, Janette’s celebrity dance partners included actor Jake Wood, singer Peter Andre, JLS star Aston Merrygold, doctor and TV presenter Ranj Singh and Paralympian Will Bayley MBE. For her final series in 2020, Janette was partnered with singer and TV presenter HRVY, where they finished the series as runners-up in the final.
Aljaž also joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2013, starring in the following nine series to becoming one of the longest-serving male dancers in the show’s history. In his first series, Aljaž was partnered with model Abbey Clancy, with the pair going on to lift the coveted Glitterball trophy.
His other celebrity dance partners included Dragon’s Den star Sarah Davies MBE, model Daisy Lowe, TV presenter Alison Hammond and actress Gemma Atkinson, with whom he reached the final in 2017.
The full list of tour dates for ‘Dancing In A Winter Wonderland’ is as follows (*includes matinee and evening performances):
December
Fri 1st Southend Cliffs Pavilion*
Sat 2nd Cambridge Corn Exchance
Sun 3rd Glasgow SEC Armadillo
Mon 4th Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
Tues 5th Cardiff St David’s Hall
Fri 8th London The London Coliseum*
Sun 10th Birmingham Symphony Hall
Tues 12th Nottingham Royal Concert Hall
Sun 17th Edinburgh Usher Hall
Mon 18th Manchester The Bridgewater Hall
Tues 19th Bath The Forum