IT’S going to be a year to remember in more ways than one for Strictly Come Dancing stars Janette Manrara and Aljaz Skorjanec.

For not only will they be touring with Remembering Fred, a spectacular tribute to the genius of Fred Astaire, they will also be getting married in the summer.

The stars from TV’s most popular dance show got together when appearing in the hit touring production, Burn the Floor, when it came to London’s West End in 2011.

They have subsequently become two of the most popular Strictly professionals.

“Normally when you are planning a wedding, you get to pick any time of the year you want to get married but in our case it was very much a case of what time can we get married when we’re not working,” laughed Janette.

“So the wedding will be at the end of July. We did have to turn a couple of things down but it’s such a special moment. We will be getting married close to our six year anniversary together so it has worked out very nicely.”

Before they can start to consider their ‘Big Day’, the couple are concentrating solely on Remembering Fred which begins a UK tour at Blackpool Opera House in less than a fortnight and tours the country, including a week at the Lowry, Salford Quays at the end of the month.

“I think it’s what they call a dartboard schedule,” said Janette. “We are going all over the place at different times. But it’s so exciting be headlining in such a big production.”

Fred Astaire is widely regarded as one of the greatest dancers of all time starring in Hollywood musicals, Broadway shows and even TV specials.

“Of course there is a little pressure on us, it’s Fred Astaire,” said Aljaz. “But we are going to put our own little twist on it and we both think going to be brilliant show.

“I have been studying his work for years and he’s always been a huge influence in what we both do. It’s a great challenge.”

As well Janette and Aljaz performing spectacular routines live on stage, Remembering Fred will also involve contributions from a host of star names including fashion designer Bruce Oldfield, Twiggy and Strictly judge Darcy Bussell.

“The show was inspired by the radio show Friday Night is Music Night,” said Janette.

“You will hear the contributors talking about what Fred meant to them or what they most loved. They are the guides that take you through all aspects of his career. We talk about his style and how he created such an iconic look, his dance style and all the different dance partners he had.”

Janette and Aljaz will perform routines inspired by Fred Astaire.

“We’ll be tapping our little toes off,” said Janette. “We have been heavily involved with the choreography so there’ll be jazz elements, a lot of ballroom and some lovely American Smooth.”

The show features a live band, singers and other dancers and the couple can’t wait to return to the theatre.

“On Strictly we say we have the best job on TV,” said Janette. “We get to teach, choreograph and dance and then at the same time meet some incredible people from all walks of life.

“But to be able to do this show with live musicians and singers in front of a theatre audience is something really special. It’s something we miss doing as we are often so busy doing things with Strictly.”

Aljaz added: “We both love doing theatre, it’s probably going to be quite emotional doing the first couple of shows as, for us, it’s almost like going home.

“We are the headlining act I suppose but we feel like a team of performers where everyone brings something special to the show.”

On the last season of Strictly, Aljaz partnered model Daisy Lowe while Janette and partner, broadcaster Melvin Odoom, were the first couple voted off the show.

“I ended up being busier than if I’d stayed in the show,” said Janette. “I still had to take part in all the group numbers but also had to rehearse for a Children in Need Strictly special and the Christmas show.”

As much as they love Strictly, Janette and Aljaz relish the challenge of working together on Remembering Fred, pushing their skills to the limits.

But Janette had a confession to make.

“There is one thing Aljaz and I can’t do, “ she said, “and that is the perfect ballroom hold. Aljaz is six feet tall and I’m only five feet tall.

“I have to wear very high heels and Aljaz very flat shoes so we can at least meet somewhere in the middle,” she laughed.

Remembering Fred, Blackpool Opera House, Friday, April 7, details from 0844 856 1111 and the Bridgewater Hall Manchester, Saturday, April 29, details from 0161 907 9000