Aljaz Skorjanec leaves BBC Strictly fans in tears with hidden meaning in 40-score dance: ‘How beautiful’
BBC Strictly fans were left emotional after a hidden theme in former Love Island star Tasha Ghouri, 26, and pro partner Alijaz Skorjanec’s, 34, superb American Smooth.
The pair’s dance, set to Someone You Loved by Lewis Capaldi, wowed the judges and achieved the first perfect 40 score of the series.
Head judge Shirley Ballas was astonished by the “beautiful” dance. Almost speechless, she glowed: “Here we see the Rolls Royce of the American Foxtrot.”
Fellow judge Anton Du Beke was visibly moved as he enthused about Ghouri and Skorjanec’s “extraordinary” routine.
He said: “This is what it’s all about. It just makes me go, ‘This is why we dance’. This is the point.”
Beyond receiving four 10s from the judges, hidden mics revealed the pair’s dance had a special meaning to Skorjanec.
Upon performing the final move of their routine, the mics picked up both Ghouri and Skorjanec whispering to each other.
“For Lyra,” they said in unison while wrapping each others’ arms around one another.
The secret message referred to Lyra Rose, the daughter of Skorjanec and former Strictly pro Jannette Manrara, 40.
Lyra, who turned one in July, was described as a “miracle baby” by Manrara after she was conceived naturally following years of attempts and as she was about to begin IVF.
Fans were brought to tears by the touching moment and shared their feelings on social media.
Dozens of comments under an Instagram video of the hidden mic compilation simply quoted the “for Lyra” dedication accompanied by crying and love heart emojis.
“How beautiful,” one commenter said of the tribute.
Another fan spotted the connection to Skorjanec’s daughter went even deeper in the routine.
As the couple’s dance concluded, lights making up a huge lit-up heart in the background began to fade revealing a simple geometric pattern.
“I just realised the heart in Alijaz and Tasha’s dance became the shape of the Lyra Constellation,” they observed.
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Other viewers were wowed with the revelation, responding: “I wondered what that was! Thank you.”
This is not the first time Skorjanec’s daughter has inspired his and Ghouri’s performances.
Speaking on It Takes Two after Week Seven. the 34-year-old dancer reflected on Ghouri’s father wishing her well.
“Hearing your dad speaking about your experiences,” he began, adding: “And I have a little girl now, and it sort of put this massive lump in my throat.”
“There was no other way to do the dance than to go out there and just do it with your heart,” the Slovenian concluded.
Evidently, it worked as he and Ghouri’s Couple’s Choice scored an impressive 39 points.