News
Strictly’s Aljaž: I left show to become a dad
Dancer Aljaž Škorjanec has said he took a break from Strictly to become a father, amid allegations he left following an altercation with a female professional.
On Friday, the Sun reported the Slovenian dancer agreed to leave the show in 2022 after an incident with another dancer.
But speaking in an interview with BBC News before the allegations were published in the Sun, Škorjanec said he left in order “to be a great dad and a great husband”.
In response to the allegations, Škorjanec’s representative said it was “untrue to say or suggest he was forced out or that he acted in an aggressive manner at any time”.
“Aljaž has the utmost respect for everyone he works with. He chose to leave the show in 2022 of his own accord but he has always loved Strictly and was delighted to be asked back,” the representative said.
“He is excited to make his return to the dancefloor this year.”
In the Sun article, a source alleged there had been “a pretty shocking altercation with another female dancer” on a night out during the Strictly Come Dancing live tour in 2022.
BBC Studios declined to comment on the alleged incident.
Škorjanec joined Strictly as a professional dancer in 2013. He took a two-year break starting in 2022, and in July it was announced he would be returning to this year’s show.
In a wide-ranging interview before the Sun published its story, Škorjanec said he and his wife, It Takes Two presenter Janette Manrara, were “desperate to become parents”.
“It was always something that we both really, really wanted,” he said.
“I asked myself, I actually feel like I have a choice here. I wanted to be a hands-on husband to a pregnant wife. I wanted to be a hands-on dad, to a little baby.
“So it was a no-brainer really. I really wanted to be there.”
The couple’s daughter Lyra was born last year, and Škorjanec said that he felt “so lucky” that he had been able to spend time with her.
“It’s the bonding time I could never get back,” he said.
He added that it had “worked out perfectly” because he is now going back to the show.
“After two years of doing that, I get to go back on Strictly and do something I love so much and I’m very, very fortunate and I’m very lucky that it worked out that way.”
The dog-loving couple have coordinated a new dance routine
© Tails.com
Manrara, who was also a professional dancer on Strictly, stepped back from the show in 2021 too.
Her dance partners included TV personality Peter Andre, This Morning doctor Dr Ranj Singh, and former JLS singer Aston Merrygold.
But the couple still enjoy dancing, and have worked together to choreograph a new jive routine inspired by dogs, capturing their spirit at their favourite time of day – dinner time.
“As dancers we take inspiration from lots of different things, normally a story we want to tell, or a painting, or a costume you’ve seen,” Manrara said.
“But to see doggies dancing, that was pretty cool, as we’ve never done anything like that before,” she added.
Škorjanec is now gearing up for the new season of Strictly, which starts later this month.
He said he was “really excited” to get back to choreographing and teaching, but added that he was also feeling a few nerves, having been away from the show for two years.
Rehearsals are already under way, but with a difference. This year, the BBC has introduced chaperones in all training room rehearsals, following allegations over the treatment of some former celebrity contestants on the show.
“I think it’s a great thing,” Škorjanec said of the chaperones.
“I think we need to go ahead with the most happiest, the most successful escapism for two hours every single Saturday when the show is on for millions of people.
“Strictly changed my life; it’s been the best thing that’s probably ever happened to me in terms of my career. I think whichever measures are taken are the right ones.”
The governor of Oyo state, Seyi Makinde, has approved a N10,000 transportation allowance as a palliative for the state workforce to cushion the effects of the increase in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit, otherwise known as petrol.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Oyo State chapter, Kayode Martins, in a statement released on Monday, March 23, disclosed that the governor has granted the request of the union on the issue of transportation allowance.
The statement read
“Following the intervention and formal request made by the State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) earlier this morning, the state government has approved a N10,000 transportation allowance for all workers in the state.
The newly approved allowance is set to take effect from April 2026, providing much-needed relief to workers grappling with rising transportation costs amid current economic challenges.
This development comes as a direct response to sustained advocacy by the state NLC, aimed at cushioning the impact of increased living expenses on the workforce.
Further details on implementation are expected to be communicated by the relevant government authorities in due course.”
News
Former Acting Accountant-General of the Federation bags 72years imprisonment for diverting N868.46 million security funds
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, on Monday, March 23, convicted and sentenced Chukwunyere Nwabuoku, former acting Accountant-General of the Federation (AGoF), to a 72-year jail term without an option of fine.
DailyTrust reports that in the judgment delivered, Justice Omotosho held that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had been able to prove the nine-count money laundering charge beyond reasonable doubt.
According to the judge, the defendant is hereby convicted as charged.
Justice Omotosho convicted Nwabuoku in all the nine counts and sentenced him to eight years imprisonment in each of the counts, making 72 years.
The judge, however, ordered that the counts shall run concurrently.
Justice Omotosho, who described Nwabuoku’s act of diverting funds meant for security and defence while he served as Director of Finance and Account in the Ministry of Defence as “appalling,” commended the EFCC for being detailed in its prosecution.
The judge observed that the evidence of the 9th prosecution witness that Nwabuoku voluntarily refunded part of the siphoned money of over N200 million during investigation was not controverted by the defence.
Nwabuoku served as the Director of Finance and Accounts in the Ministry of Defence between 2019 and 2021. He became acting Accountant General of the Federation in May 2022.
The police in Delta state have arrested eleven more suspects over the sexu@l ass@ults recorded during what was described as a “r@ping festival” in Oramudu Quarters in Ozoro last Thursday, March 19.
In a statement released on Saturday, March 21, the spokesperson of the command, SP Bright Edafe, said the CP Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) was tasked with conducting a detailed investigation into the incident.
Edafe said operatives of CP-SAT conducted a thorough analysis of available video evidence and intelligence, leading to the arrest of eleven additional suspects identified as Samson Atukpodo, Steven ovie, Ugbevo Samson, Afoke Akporobaro, Evidence Oguname, and six others. Edafe mentioned that these latest arrests bring the total number of suspects currently in police custody in connection with the incident to fifteen (15)
“The Command reiterates that preliminary findings indicate that the unfortunate incident was perpetrated by criminal elements who exploited the situation to engage in acts of sexu@l v!olence, which are in no way representative of any legitimate cultural practice.
The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Aina Adesola, condemns these acts in totality and reassures the public that the Command remains resolute in its determination to ensure that all those involved are identified, arrested, and prosecuted in accordance with the law. Members of the public, particularly victims and witnesses, are once again encouraged to come forward with credible information that will aid ongoing investigations. The Command assures that all information provided will be treated with strict confidentiality.”the statement in part reads
Fuel price hike: Gov Makinde announces N10,000 transport support for workers
Former Acting Accountant-General of the Federation bags 72years imprisonment for diverting N868.46 million security funds
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