Anticipation is building as fans of the beloved BBC series Strictly Come Dancing gear up for the culmination of this year’s competition. With professional dancer Aljaz Skorjanec gearing up for the final alongside his dance partner Tasha Ghouri, the stakes are high—particularly for Aljaz, who stands on the cusp of making history. If he triumphs, he will become the first male professional dancer to lift the coveted Glitterball trophy twice.
During Friday night’s episode of It Takes Two, hosted by Fleur East, the excitement became palpable. Fleur remarked to Aljaz, “If you win tomorrow, you'll be the first male pro to lift the Glitterball trophy twice. What does it mean and how does it feel going to the final this time around?” The audience erupted with cheers, but Aljaz seemed temporarily at a loss for words, chuckling, “I'm still processing the two thing!”
This isn’t the first time Aljaz has tasted victory; he previously clinched the Glitterball trophy back in 2013 with celebrity partner Abbey Clancy. Reflecting on this potential historic moment, he expressed deep nostalgia for both the dance floor and the It Takes Two show. He shared, “You know what, like I said a couple of weeks back, the more you do Strictly as a professional, the more you realize how difficult and how hard it is to get to the final.”
There’s no denying the emotional rollercoaster of competing on such a prestigious stage. Aljaz conveyed how each performance resonates with him more as he progresses through the competition. “You appreciate and respect the opportunity each time more”, he reflected. “Today when we did the camera blocks, I was getting emotional. I never get emotional like this.”
One of the highlights of this competitive final will be the quality of performances viewers can expect. Aljaz and Tasha are primed to present three show-stopping routines: the Judges’ Pick, Couple’s Choice to "What About Us" by P!nk; their Show Dance, set to "Sing, Sing, Sing" by Benny Goodman; and their Couple’s Favourite Dance, the American Smooth to "Someone You Loved" by Lewis Capaldi.
Aljaz’s partnership with Tasha has proven to be fruitful, as head judge Shirley Ballas praised their synergy, stating, “Tasha and Aljaz - from Week 1, Tasha has been incredible. Her work ethic has been second to none and she's shone on the floor week in, week out. She's become a beautiful ballroom dancer. And of course, it's been great to have Aljaz back in the ballroom.”
Throughout the competition, Tasha has consistently topped the leaderboard. Despite this success, she faced off against TOWIE star Pete Wicks during a tense dance-off. Thankfully for her supporters, the judges unanimously decided to keep her around for the finale. JLS star JB Gill is another strong competitor, currently leading the leaderboard with impressive scores, totaling 79 for his two routines.
JB, reflecting on his own experience, shared, “Being in the final has to be a career highlight. I don’t get to do too many competitions like this, so being in the final is an incredible achievement. My goal has always been to get through each week, but I’ve always said if you can get to the final, it’s anyone’s to win.” His motivation echoed the sentiments of many competitors during this thrilling season.
But for Aljaz, all eyes are on the Glitterball trophy—an emblem of his mastery and dedication to his craft. The support from fans has surged, with many rooting for him to achieve what previously seemed unattainable for male professional dancers. Could this evening be the moment he secures his place in the Strictly history books?
The excitement is contagious as the final draws near, with audiences ready to witness whether Aljaz Skorjanec will etch his name again alongside the greats of the competition. With high stakes, heartfelt performances, and electrifying dance routines, viewers are prepared for what promises to be another unforgettable night on the dance floor.
Strictly Come Dancing continues to hold the hearts of its fans, and the final is set to be available on BBC iPlayer. Can Aljaz rise to the occasion and give the performance of his life? Time will tell!
