Janette & Aljaž ‘Strictly saved our relationship!'

Strictly’s Janette Manrara and Aljaž Škorjanec chat love and life in lockdown and how the show is a blessing, not a curse, for them!

- RICHARD ARNOLD

How has lockdown been for you both?

Janette: I learned that Aljaz really is good at doing nothing [laughs]. What HE learned was that I can never keep my feet still. He knew I was a busy body and that I liked working and moving, but I learned to pace myself. I was always, ‘Go, go, go…’ and I never stopped. Being at home in the pandemic I learned to cook – I didn’t know how [before]!

So you became domesticated at last!

Janette: I think I used the kitchen for the first time! I had to force myself to stop and listen. That’s why we work. He’s my rock in every way because I overthink, overpanic, I get stressed and I want to make sure everything is just right, and Aljaz is the soothing, calm one in every one of those moments. Aljaz: I’m basically the exact opposite. I do all the cooking and am overly calm!

Sounds like you must be exhausted, Aljaz!

It was an interesting one because we work together and live together. That’s not normal for your average couple – to leave home, then see each other again at work. Being on tour, we never really fully got to enjoy being at home and it was the first time in 10 years together [that we had] the dynamic most couples do every day. I absolutely love having a little routine every day that doesn’t change because you are off to another city. I’ve actually really, really enjoyed it.

You’ve been busy with your new show Remembering the Oscars, out this month…