‘It was tough’: Strictly stars Janette Manrara and husband Aljaz Skorjanec reveal their financial struggles amid the coronavirus pandemic
Strictly’s Janette Manrara and her fellow pro husband Aljaz Skorjanec have reflected on their financial struggles amid the coronavirus crisis.
The dancer, 37, and Slovenian choreographer, 30, spoke about their ‘tough’ year with Dr Ranj Singh on his podcast Steths, Drugs & Rock ‘n’ Roll, which they recorded in July shortly after the UK’s first lockdown.
Reflecting on how their finances had been hit by the global pandemic, Janette told the This Morning doctor: ‘Financially it was tough, we did lose three tours this year.’
‘It was tough’: Strictly stars Janette Manrara and husband Aljaz Skorjanec revealed their financial struggles amid the coronavirus pandemic in an interview with Dr Ranj
However the couple tried to remain positive despite their money woes, as Janette said being in lockdown meant she could spend more time with her husband.
‘I think emotionally and psychologically and physically for the two of us to have all this time at home, which was never possible because of the schedule we have, has been actually really, really, nice.
‘We’ve learned to live in our own home, which we never felt before. Now our living room actually feels like our living room.’
She went on: ‘I like the kitchen, I was never friends with the kitchen before and Aljaz has loved just taking time to himself, he hasn’t been online much… he has taken time to chill out. It’s been amazing.’
Struggle: Reflecting on how their finances had been hit by the global pandemic, Janette told the This Morning doctor: ‘Financially it was tough, we did lose three tours this year’
Despite having their tours cancelled, the dancing duo have had their hands full with their duties to Strictly Come Dancing which returned to screens earlier this year.
Janette is still in the competition as she performs alongside singer HRVY, but Aljaz and his celebrity partner Clara Amfo were eliminated last week.
He has previously explained this has made it hard for him to see his wife, as she must remain in her bubble with HRVY until his time on the show comes to an end.
Speaking on Decathlon’s The Power of 10 podcast before he was voted off the show, Aljaz said: ‘We can see each other on a Friday and Saturday in the studio, obviously keeping to two metre distance.
Sweet: However the couple tried to remain positive despite their money woes, as Janette said being in lockdown meant she could spend more time with her husband
‘But the two of us are so focused, you know, with jobs, so at the moment it’s OK because we’re so busy, but if one of us [were to] be eliminated and then… one of us [would] have to be at home on their own. That’s [when] I think it would get a little bit harder.’
In October, Janette was asked by Claudia Winkleman how it has been getting used to not living with her husband, who she married in 2017.
She said: ‘You have both lived together for 10 years, but to form your bubbles you are both living alone. How are you finding it?’
Janette quickly replied: ‘I love it! No, I miss him terribly, but we’re doing what’s best for the show. But I’m so excited to start with HRVY.’
Work: Despite having the tours cancelled, the dancing duo have had their hands full with their duties to Strictly which returned to screens earlier this year (Aljaz with his partner Clara Amfo)
Going strong: Janette is still in the competition as she performs alongside singer HRVY, (pictured) but Aljaz and his celebrity partner Clara were eliminated last week