Aljaž Škorjanec was a dancer on Strictly Come Dancing (Picture: REX/Shutterstock)
Former Strictly Come Dancing star Aljaž Škorjanec has spoken out against criticism of stay-at-home dads.
The proud father of Lyra, who he shares with Janette Manrara, has always dreamed of focusing on the role of parent, and he’s been able to do that but has found this choice is still stigmatised.
After Aljaž, 34, stepped back from Strictly in 2022, his wife Janette, 40, quickly became pregnant.
After the couple ‘put their cards on the table’ they jointly decided that while Janette would continue with her TV presenting career on Strictly spin-off It Takes Two and Morning Live, Aljaž would be at home with their now 11-month-old daughter.
Now, Aljaž has explained how the pair decided to implement this family dynamic.
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‘Both of us have always dreamed of being hands-on parents, but I’ve always dreamed of being there fully, so we put the cards on the table and made the decision,’ he explained to OK!
‘I couldn’t put it down to one specific thing – it was just the most natural and obvious thing for us as a family.’
The family have found what works best for them (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)
He then pointed out that every parent, relationship and dynamic is different, and they’ve been able to find the one that works best for them.
‘For us, this one was the one that made the most sense, and I feel like both of us really feel that. Whatever decision you make, as long as you do it with love, it’s always going to be the right one,’ he explained.
The trio have found their perfect balance, and ensure they get plenty of quality time together when Janette isn’t working. Despite their happiness, Aljaž has found some people can be critical, and that there is still a stigma around stay-at-home dads.
The Strictly star doesn’t pay attention to criticism (Picture: Instagram)
Aljaž’s sole focus is the wellbeing of his family (Picture: Instagram)
‘So many people give their opinions but I don’t pay much attention to it and I don’t care for it, either,’ he stated.
‘My sole focus is the wellbeing of Lyra and Janette and making sure they’re OK, that we’re OK.’
Aljaž added: ‘We don’t pay attention to any negativity – we are both so focused on making sure that the little one has the best possible early days of her life.’
In 2022, the Office for National Statistics data found that the number of stay-at-home dads in the UK had increased by a third since before the pandemic. The research found one in nine stay-at-home parents are fathers.
Aljaž left Strictly in 2022 (Picture: Jeff Spicer/Getty Images)
Before leaving the BBC show, Aljaž competed with celebrities including TV presenter Alison Hammond, actress Helen George, and radio DJ Clara Amfo.
In his debut series, he was partnered with model Abbey Clancy and together they lifted the Glitterball trophy.
Janette also joined in the same year, before leaving in 2021, but she remained close to the ballroom by hosting It Takes Two – which she still co-hosts with Fleur East.
While, Aljaž is no longer involved with Strictly, he’s open to a return in the future, although he imagines it would be in ‘a different role or capacity’.
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