It’s a beautiful, sunny morning and we’re chatting to beaming dad-to-be Aljaž Škorjanec, who’s currently enjoying a babymoon in his native Slovenia with his wife Janette Manrara.
The former Strictly pro has plenty of reasons to smile, as not only is fatherhood on the horizon, but he and It Takes Two host Janette have just moved into a gorgeous new home in Cheshire.
“I’ve been ready to be a dad since I was about 20-years-old,” says Aljaž, 33, who is currently “relaxing and seeing family” in his homeland. “With our careers, it was always going to be completely down to Janette’s timing. Our bodies are our tools and I would never put any pressure on her. When she ventured more into the presenting world we were able to fully decide, ‘Right, let’s go for it.’ But then it still took us quite a while.”
Aljaž is referring to the fact that the couple were on the cusp of starting IVF when Janette, 39, suddenly got pregnant naturally.
“It’s hard mentally, it’s hard physically. It’s a big test,” he admits. “The struggles some people go through to fall pregnant – I’m just amazed by women. I’ve found a complete new respect for my beautiful little Janette, who I love more than anything. It’s a little miracle how we got here.”
Despite things taking a little longer than expected, the couple are now thriving – but it’s not just Janette who’s going through a roller-coaster of emotions.
This story is from the May 8, 2023 edition of New UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 8, 2023 edition of New UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
A STICKY SITUATION
Actors Chris Diamantopoulos and Guillaume Cyr bond with Margo Martindale and get beaten up by Jamie Lee Curtis in a riotous new comedy drama series
THIS IS CHRISTMAS ACTUALLY
Love Actually writer and director Richard Curtis gifts the world a new festive film this year
LEARN HOW TO PLEASE YOURSELF
The festive season can be an incredibly stressful time, particularly for peoplepleasers who struggle to put their own needs first
Caught on dashcam injecting her ex with fatal dose of 'poison"
Amanda Hovanec enlisted her lover and her mother in her cold-blooded plot
'I looked better getting married at 53 than I did at 23!'
Wellbeing coach Sarah-Jane Clark, from Swindon, shares how she achieved her dream of wearing a size 10 wedding dress after losing 12st
'I am so looking forward to Christmas'
Helen Flanagan shares her plans for the holidays with her new boyfriend Robbie Talbot and her kids
I'm turning the anger into positive energy
His best friend's death has made Gok Wan rethink life
‘I'm careful with who I allow in my inner circle
Actress and presenter Kéllé Bryan on managing fame and fronting a new fashion initiative
'There were rats..it is a real jungle
Marvin Humes on his I'm A Celebrity experience, backing his buddies and the importance of kindness
'It's not going to be sexy Maura on I'm A Celeb'
Model Caprice Bourret tells new about her festive traditions and starring in and producing a Christmas film