Strictly's Janette Manrara and Aljaž Škorjanec expecting first baby
Strictly Come Dancing former professionals Janette Manrara and Aljaž Škorjanec have announced the exciting news that they are expecting their first baby together.
In an interview with HELLO!, the couple revealed that they have been trying for a baby for some time but had been unsuccessful and were planning on IVF treatment. However, they were surprised by Janette having an inkling something was different one day and a positive pregnancy test in December 2022 confirmed their "little miracle", who is due to arrive in late summer.
"I know that IVF can be really strenuous on a woman's body and there is no guarantee it will work," Janette said. "To know that this little miracle just came from a wonderful night we had together is amazing. I think the baby decided to make Mum and Dad panic a bit before saying: 'Ok, fine, I'm coming now.'"
On learning the news, Aljaž explained of his reaction: "I was beside myself. I feel like I've been thinking and dreaming about this moment for so long. We were preparing for IVF mentally and physically and then it was just a relief to finally have that positive test. I have so much respect for any parent that goes through IVF, not just for what it puts them through physically, but mentally too."
Sharing the news on social media, the Strictly: It Takes Two host received a wealth of well wishes from friends and fans, including fellow Strictly stars.
"Wowwwww congratulazioni," Vito Coppola said, while his dance partner last year Fleur East added: "Ahhhh amazing!!! Congratulations to you both". Former dancer on the show and current Dancing on Ice judge Oti Mabuse shared: "Congratulations" with a series of celebratory raised hands emojis, while former Coronation Street star Catherine Tyldesley wrote: "Oh guys!!!! This is utterly wonderful!!!! So thrilled for you both."
Adding that they are also going to move home, they will be nearer to fellow professional Gorka Marquez and partner Gemma Atkinson, who recently announced that they are expecting their second baby together.
Last month, Gemma shared via social media: "Impossible to hide my belly any longer. I've officially 'popped'. Our baby boy will be joining our family later this year. We feel so incredibly blessed and grateful to be on this journey again. Mia is absolutely thrilled! Although we may need to do some negotiating on names, as so far she's adamant he's going to be called Barbie."
Strictly Come Dancing airs on BBC One, while spin-off Strictly: It Takes Two airs on BBC Two. Both shows are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
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