The Strictly universe is spinning faster than a show-stopping quickstep today as beloved stars Aljaž Škorjanec and Janette Manrara finally confirmed what fans have been whispering for months
baby number two is officiallyon the way.
From ballroom royalty to baby bliss, the golden couple of Strictly Come Dancing have once again captured the nation’s heart with a reveal that is equal parts magical, emotional and deeply personal.
After weeks of subtle hints, mysterious captions about “new beginnings” and carefully framed family moments on social media, the pair broke their silence with a moving announcement that left their loyal fanbase in tears — reminding everyone why Aljaž and Janette remain the soul of the Strictly family: sincere, grounded, wildly in love and endlessly inspiring.
“We Needed To Hit Pause — And Rewrite The Script”
In a heartfelt interview, Janette, 41, and Aljaž, 35, shared that their second child is due in early 2026, arriving just as their firstborn daughter Lyra prepares to celebrate her second birthday.
“We’ve been holding this secret close for such a long time,” Janette confessed, gently resting a hand on her small but unmistakable bump. “Lyra’s first year was beautiful but chaotic — filming, parenting, sleepless nights, constant travel. This new baby feels like our cue to slow down, breathe, and rewrite the script.”
Aljaž, always the calm counterbalance to Janette’s infectious sparkle, added quietly:
“People see us dancing like nothing fazes us, but fatherhood changes everything. The real dance isn’t on the Strictly floor… it’s at home, in the quiet moments.”
Their announcement arrived with a breathtaking Instagram Reel: the couple slow-dancing in their sun-washed living room while little Lyra toddled between them, giggling with delight. As soft piano music swelled, an ultrasound clip appeared on screen with the caption:
“Our family’s growing… and so is our dream.”
Within minutes, the video racked up more than five million views, with fans flooding the comments in shattered-keyboard excitement:
“We KNEW IT!”
“The sparkle doubles!”
“The Strictly royal family expands!”
Baby No. 2 — And A Brave New Beginning
But the pregnancy isn’t the only life-changing news.
Alongside the announcement, Aljaž and Janette also revealed plans for their next major venture — a global online dance academy set to launch in spring 2026, titled Dance Without Limits.
“We want to bring ballroom to everyone,” Aljaž explained. “Kids dancing in tiny bedrooms, grandparents trying to waltz again, couples reconnecting — nobody needs fancy studios. Just passion.”
The academy will offer livestreamed classes, personalised coaching and interactive worldwide dance challenges, blending their two decades of combined Strictly experience with cutting-edge digital technology.
Janette added with a smile:
“People have always messaged us saying, ‘Teach us like you taught each other.’ So we thought — why not teach the whole world?”
For them, it’s more than business — it’s a mission to make dance joyful, accessible and universal.
A Love Story Britain Has Grown Up With
From the moment both were cast on Strictly in 2013, Aljaž and Janette became inseparable parts of the show’s magic. Their romance bloomed beneath the studio lights, leading to a glamorous wedding in 2016 and, years later, the miracle of their daughter Lyra — born after a long, emotional IVF journey.
“We wanted to be real about it,” Janette said. “Life isn’t perfect. Sometimes you fall out of step. But love teaches you how to move again.”
When Aljaž briefly stepped away from Strictly in 2021, rumours of burnout and homesickness swirled — but by 2024 he returned renewed, crediting fatherhood for grounding him.
“Dancing with a celebrity partner is a dream,” he reflected. “But coming home to Janette and Lyra? That’s the encore I’ll never stop wanting.”
Internet Meltdown: Strictly Fans In Tears
The announcement sent Strictly Nation into collective hysteria, with fans declaring:
· “This news has healed me!”
· “From Blackpool lights to baby bottles — pure magic!”
· “We’ve watched you fall in love for a decade. This feels like family news!”
Even Strictly royalty joined in:
Tess Daly: “Double the sparkle! So thrilled for you both 
”
Craig Revel Horwood: “Darlings, may your next baby inherit your FABULOUSNESS — and none of your timing issues!”
Claudia Winkleman: “I cried. Then danced. Obsessed. 
”
Their Legacy: Love, Rhythm & Resilience
As they prepare to welcome their second child, the couple insist they’re not stepping away from Strictly — only stepping into a new chapter.
“We’re still part of the Strictly family,” Aljaž said. “But this chapter is about teaching, creating and bringing dance to the world.”
A baby on the way. A global dream launching. A family growing. A love story still dancing into the nation’s heart.
