Strictly star Janette Manrara addresses her future on show following axing rumours
The show is undergoing a shake-upJanette Manrara has addressed speculation surrounding her future on Strictly Come Dancing.
In recent months, the glitzy BBC One show has been making headlines as reports surfaced suggesting the series was about to undergo a huge cast shake-up.
What’s more, in March, it was claimed that Janette and Fleur East had been axed from It Takes Two – something the Beeb denied.
But now, Janette has spoken out about the changes to show, and issued a cryptic statement about her future on the programme.
Janette Manrara on Strictly future
Janette originally joined Strictly Come Dancing as a pro in 2013 before becoming co-host of It Takes Two in 2021. Fleur East meanwhile, joined the It Takes Two family in 2023.
Appearing on BBC Breakfast this week with husband Aljaž Škorjanec, Janette was asked if viewers can expect her to return for the 2026 series.
Janette said: “I don’t know, we’ll have to wait and find out. I think everyone at the moment is on standby, so we’ll see what happens… That’s showbiz!”
Meanwhile talking about the show, she added: “Strictly is definitely coming back, we can say that. I’m assuming we’ll have a couple of new professionals and a couple of new presenters as well.”
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Janette on working on Strictly
Janette went on: “We’re [she and husband Aljaž] very lucky, the show has given us this beautiful platform to be able to go off and do the tours that we do and we don’t take it for granted.”
She added: “And in my opinion, and I think Aljaž will agree, it’s the best entertainment show on telly. I’m just so happy that it’s been a part of our lives for so many years.
“We were just dating when we started the show and during the show we got married, we became parents and it’s just been phenomenal.”
Strictly shake-up
There is already a huge shake-up happening on Strictly this year. Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly will be replaced as hosts. And it was suggested the BBC have several names in the running.
However, recently, reports surfaced that a few professional dancers will be bidding goodbye to the show.
Michelle Tsiakkas became the latest professional to leave the show ahead of the 2026 series. She joins Luba Mushtuk, Nadiya Bychkova, and Karen Hauer in exiting the programme.
