PARTNERS FOR LIFE: 'LEAVING STRICTLY WAS THE HARDEST GOODBYE - BUT WE'RE THRIVING AS A COUPLE NOW'

JANETTE MANRARA AND ALJAŽ ŠKORJANEC OPEN UP ABOUT THE HIGHS AND LOWS OF LIFE AFTER THE HIT BBC SHOW AND HOW THEY KEEP THE SPARK ALIVE

- NICOLA FAHEY

Former Strictly pros Janette Manrara and Aljaž Skorjanec are engaging in a bit of role-play. Slovenian dancer Aljaž has just laid eyes on his wife in a strapless fuchsia gown and is noticeably mesmerised by her beauty.

“Woah, what's your name?” he jokes.

“I'm Jessica,” she teases.

Eleven years into their relationship, they've lost none of their spark. Perhaps that’s because they have recently fallen in love all over again” after facing the biggest test in their marriage yet by quitting Strictly and forging individual careers.

After eight years dancing together on the BBC hit, Janette, 38, and Aljaž, 32, are learning to live like a normal couple and experiencing time apart. Miami-born Janette is back in her second series presenting Strictly spin-off It Takes Two alongside Rylan Clark, while Aljaž, who left Strictly 12 months after his wife, is training to be an actor.

Here, for the first time, the couple opens up about supporting each other through the highs and lows of a roller-coaster two years and how they have emerged closer than ever.

Hi, both! You seem like the most glamorous couple ever. What are you like at home?

Janette: We're not glamorous at all. We cuddle on the sofa daily PJs and Netflix.

Aljaž: Less is more!

How do you comfort each other on bad days?

Janette: We reminisce. We watch old dances we've done together from Strictly and before. Nostalgia makes you feel good.

How do you keep the spark after 11 years?

Janette: ve never burped in front of Aljaž. We try to keep that little bit of magic alive.