Strictly Come Dancing favourite professional dancer Aljaž Škorjanec has defended the BBC’s controversial mass ‘cull’ of professionals, saying it’s in the “best interest of the show”.
After reports that five Strictly professionals were set to be ‘axed’ from the show (see here which ones…), fans are anxiously awaiting confirmation amid the major controversy.
Long-time Strictly pro Aljaz has revealed his support for the shock shake-up, in favour of a “fresh” new series in 2026.
The Strictly icon told OK! Magazine that while it’s sad to see co-stars leave, “it’s equally exciting to see new faces, fresh energy, and people who bring something different”.
Aljaz, 36, insists that “whatever the Strictly bosses do”, he and his fellow professionals will “ always support their decisions”.
And for him, bringing in new faces “means the show never gets stale”.
The alleged shake-up is set to coincide with new hosts to take over from Tess and Claudia.
During the last Strictly Come Dancing series, fans spiralled at the shock news that Tess and Claudia were bringing their historic 11-year presenting run to a close.
Aljaz added: “I've seen a lot of people come and go…Strictly has always evolved like that.”
The Slovenian dancer has a long Strictly legacy, having joined the show in 2013, and winning his first ever series with Abbey Clancy.
After his decision to leave Strictly in 2022, he made a surprise comeback two years later, becoming the first professional to be brought back after leaving.
On his part in the next series, he joked “Hopefully, I'm back!”
The Strictly saga continues as we await for the BBC to confirm plans.
In a statement made to Cosmopolitan UK, a spokesperson for the BBC previously said: "Plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be confirmed in due course."
