Aljaž Škorjanec and Janette Manrara's surprising journey to parenthood

In the UK, Janette Manrara and Aljaž Škorjanec, both known for their roles on the BBC show Strictly Come Dancing, became parents to their daughter Lyra in July 2023. Their journey to parenthood was fraught with challenges, as they had been trying for a baby for several years. After consulting with doctors, they were advised to begin IVF treatments, prompting Janette to leave her professional dancing career to focus on this goal. As they prepared for the IVF process, which included daily injections and numerous medical examinations, Janette experienced an unexpected twist. When her period did not arrive as anticipated, she discovered she was already pregnant, leading to a mix of relief and joy for the couple. Aljaž had been mentally preparing for the emotional toll of IVF, so the positive pregnancy test was a welcome surprise. The couple announced their pregnancy in February 2023, and their daughter Lyra was born later that year. Aljaž expressed deep respect for parents who undergo IVF, recognizing the emotional and physical challenges involved. Despite their happiness with Lyra, they are cautious about having more children, understanding that the journey to parenthood can be unpredictable. Their experience highlights the complexities of family planning and the emotional resilience required in the face of uncertainty, as they navigate their roles as new parents while contemplating future expansions of their family.