Strictly pro star Aljaz Skorjanec, 34, has shared an emotional moment he received some surprise guests amidst Strictly’s grand finale on Saturday.
The Slovenian dancer and celeb partner Tasha Ghouri, 26, ultimately lost out to Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell in lifting the Glitterball Trophy.
Skorjanec’s partnership with the former Love Island star has been one of the series highlights, consistently topping the judge’s leaderboard.
The pair were the first to receive a perfect 40 in Week 10 and repeated the effort twice in the finale.
They danced three routines on Saturday’s show: performing a Show Dance to Sing, Sing, Sing by Benny Goodman, a Couple’s Choice to What About Us by P!nk and an American Smooth to Someone You Loved by Lewis Capaldi.
While they did not lift the Glitterball in the end, former pro and judge Anton Du Beke hailed the couple as the best that had ever competed on Strictly.
Skorjanec and Ghouri have been the show’s best marked pair
BBC
The disappointment of losing out on the coveted prize was further dampened for Skorjanec as a surprisevisit amidst the finale from his parents reduced the 34-year-old to tears.
“Nothing feels like home more than family. Had the surprise of my parents flying over from Slovenia to watch us dance in the final,” he wrote alongside a video of the moment.
An initially shocked and sobbing Skorjanec was seen hugging his mother in father in the touching exchange.
“They have only been able to come to once in 10 years of @bbcstrictly,” he revealed with the post.
The pair’s American Smooth was dedicated to Skorjanec’s daughter
BBC
The Slovenian dancer signed off sweetly: “I truly wished in my heart I had family in to watch…. And now I do. The best feeling. I love you.”
The timing could not have been better as the Skorjanec and Ghouri performed their rapturously received American Smooth again, which was dedicated to the 34-year-old’s daughter.
A huge lit-up heart was placed in the background of the routine which featured a simple geometric pattern that resembled the Lyra star constellation.
The secret message referred to Lyra Rose, the daughter of Skorjanec and former Strictly pro Jannette Manrara, 40.
Lyra, who turned one in July, was described as a “miracle baby” by Manrara after she was conceived naturally following years of attempts and as she was about to begin IVF.
Family was a clear theme for Skorjanec and Ghorui during the finale as the former Love Island star also received a surprise guest.
The 26-year-old was similarly reduced to tears as her brother Alex, who lives in Australia, made a shock appearance on the show as she and Skorjanec awaited their scores in the “Clauditorium”.
A stunned Ghouri wept as Alex ran towards her and they shared an emotional embrace.
“I can’t describe it, sitting out in Australia watching your little sister dance and follow all your dreams… You’re just so, so special,” Alex said before hugging his sibling again.
The touching moment had Skorjanec and the cast of Strictly around them drying their eyes.
