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Strictly’s Aljaz posts adorable birthday tribute to wife Janette

And hers isn't the only Strictly birthday today...

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It’s been a tough couple of weeks for Janette Manrara following her surprise exit from Strictly with celebrity partner Aston Merrygold.

But no doubt the bitter taste of defeat would’ve been made somewhat sweeter for the US dancer by the fact that she’s married to the lovely Aljaz Skornajec.

And just to remind her what a top lad he is, the Slovenian posted a super-cute Instagram message to his wife this morning as she celebrates her 34th birthday.

Aljaz, 27, uploaded a photo of Janette that was taken seven years ago – just before the two dancers became an item. He can just about be seen in the background, taking the shot.

And the picture was captioned with a touching homage to the Miami-born birthday girl.

Gushed Aljaz: “Seven years ago, I took this picture of my then-colleague, who has since become my best friend, my soul mate and my beautiful wife!”

He finished the tribute with the words: “Happy birthday, Bucka [his pet name for her].”

Read more: Strictly’s Giovanni breaks silence on ‘secret girlfriend’ reports

And fans of the couple were smitten with the romantic gesture. One replied: “Awww, that’s so sweet, Aljaz. You two are amazing together.”

Another swooned: “You two melt my heart. I love, love! I’m hoping to see you dance together on one of the results shows soon – a contemporary piece full of love and emotion would be so beautiful xx.”

And a third follower added: “And THERE’S the cute message I was expecting!!!!!!! Cuties.”

Aljaz and Janette tied the knot in July, and will be touring the UK together next year in the show Remembering Fred (a tribute to Fred Astaire).

Read more: Strictly’s Joe McFadden hints he’ll quit Holby City

Just by a MASSIVE coincidence, Aljaz’s Strictly partner Gemma Atkinson is also celebrating her birthday today.

The former Emmerdale star has turned 33, and a picture on today’s Sun Online showed her beaming as she rocked up at the rehearsal studios.

Mind you, there might’ve been an extra-special reason for her happiness – she was carrying a big bouquet of flowers, and the report claimed that they were from a ‘secret admirer’.

Naturally, people are going to speculate that they’re from Gorka Marquez, who’s been spending a lot of time with Gemma since this series started.

The pair have denied that there’s any romance between them, but things change, don’t they?

And maybe in seven years’ time, Gorka will be posting a birthday tribute to his “then-colleague”…


Nancy Brown
Associate Editor