Experts have weighed in on fans’ concerns for the health of Strictly Come Dancing pro Aljaz Skorjanec, after the 34 year-old appeared to be extremely out of breath post performance. 

The dance partner to Love Island star Tasha Ghouri, 26 was breathing heavily after their recital on Saturday night’s show, which was picked up by his microphone for fans to hear.

Strictly viewers watching at home were alarmed, urging Skorjanec to ‘get checked out’, and voicing concerns he may be ‘about to keel over with a coronary!’

Speaking to MailOnline, a top GP Dr Hana Patel has given her medical verdict on whether fans are right to be concerned about the dancer’s health — and what the problem could be.

Firstly, some heavy breathing after exercise is normal, although it is most often seen in those who aren’t particularly active or unfit, she said. 

‘Occasional shortness of breath during intense exercise is expected, especially if you push your body beyond its usual limits.’ 

However, she said, if ‘persistent or excessive shortness of breath’ continues more than 10 minutes after exercise, it is likely to indicate an underlying issue that ‘requires attention’.

Over the weekend, former Love Island star Tasha and partner Aljaz danced to Pink's What About Us? during the shows first Icons Week

Over the weekend, former Love Island star Tasha Ghouri , 26, and partner Aljaz Skorjanec , 34, danced to Pink’s What About Us? during the shows first Icons Week 

It was no wonder Aljaz was out of breath following the energetic routine which saw him and Tasha score a massive 39 points from the judges, placing them joint top of the leaderboard

It was no wonder Aljaz was out of breath following the energetic routine which saw him and Tasha score a massive 39 points from the judges, placing them joint top of the leaderboard 

One possible and common cause of breathlessness is asthma — a lung condition that causes occasional breathing difficulties, a tight chest and coughing. 

It’s a common condition that affects 5.4 million Brits — about eight in every 100 people.

‘During an asthma attack you may feel breathless because it’s difficult to move air in and out of your lungs,’ Dr Patel explains. 

But it’s not known if Skorjanec was suffering from an asthma attack. 

Although it often starts in childhood, it can affect people of all ages and can develop for the first time in adults and it can be treated with an inhaler, the NHS says.

However, breathing difficulties can also be a symptom of serious lung infections, such as pneumonia — inflammation in the lungs usually caused by a bacteria— which may cause shortness of breath.

In most cases patients are given antibiotics to treat pneumonia. 

Some fans also urged Skorjanec — who returned this series after a two-year absence — to get himself tested for Covid. 

It caused alarm for some Strictly viewers watching at home, who took to X to ask the dancer to 'get checked out'

It caused alarm for some Strictly viewers watching at home, who took to X to ask the dancer to ‘get checked out’

While shortness of breath is a symptom of Covid, the common cold and a blocked nose can also cause changes in breathing. 

Although anxiety doe cause mental symptoms such as  feeling nervous, it also can cause physical affects including faster breathing. 

Breathlessness can also come on suddenly during a panic attack along with a racing heart, feeling dizzy and shaking legs, mental health charity Mind explains. 

Dr Patel stresses that if you do ever feel like you are unable to breath you should seek immediate medical attention.  

You May Also Like

Alzheimer's drug hailed as major breakthrough could actually triple risk of dying, new research warns

An Alzheimer’s drug that had been hailed as a major breakthrough may…

Dietician busts 7 myths on ultra-processed foods – some aren't as bad to eat as you think

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) have had a lot of bad press of late,…

'Fat melts away' with daily weight loss habit – you won't even break a sweat

A man has shared a weight loss strategy on TikTok that can…

Mpox 2024 hotspots: Map shows all countries where cases of new strain have been confirmed – including the UK

Britain has announced the first case of a new deadly strain of…