Strictly favourite Janette Manrara announces her exit from show after 14 years
Fans have shared their sadnessJanette Manrara has confirmed she is no longer part of the Strictly Come Dancing family, bringing an end to a chapter.
The dancer first joined the BBC One hit in 2013 and became a familiar face on the ballroom floor before stepping away from competing in 2021. She then moved into the presenting team on spin-off show It Takes Two, alongside later co-host Fleur East.
Now, as speculation continues over wider changes linked to the Strictly brand, Janette has addressed her future and revealed she has officially moved on.
Janette Manrara confirms Strictly Come Dancing departure
Janette has been at the centre of ongoing discussion in recent months following reports of significant behind-the-scenes changes involving Strictly and It Takes Two.
Earlier claims suggested both Janette and Fleur East could be dropped from the companion show. Although the BBC denied those reports at the time.
However, Janette has now confirmed that her time on It Takes Two has come to an end, with the announcement prompting an emotional response from viewers.
Speaking in a recent YouTube video, she said: “Strictly Come Dancing has now changed hugely. I’m no longer a part of It Takes Two or the main show.”
‘Strictly’s all I’ve ever known’
Reflecting on the next stage of her career, Janette explained that leaving the show opens the door to opportunities she had not previously considered.
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She said: “I’ll still be involved in other ways. But, that just means that I’m free to pursue and do many other projects that I’ve always wanted to do and never really thought about doing.
“Strictly’s all I’ve ever known for the last 14 years. S it is a bit of like, ‘Oh, we’re going into a different world. A different space, how are we going to navigate that?'”
Fans quickly shared messages of support in the comments section following her announcement.
“Gutted you aren’t the new Strictly presenter….too many opportunities waiting for you. Xx,” one viewer wrote.
Another commented: “Sorry to see you leave Strictly, as Bruce would say, you were my favourite :)”
What next for It Takes Two?
Janette’s departure also comes amid continuing reports that It Takes Two could be heading in a new direction.
Earlier this year, claims emerged suggesting the long-running spin-off may be replaced by a vodcast format, similar to The Traitors: Uncloaked and The Apprentice: You’re Fired.
“There is definitely a creative renewal on the table for It Takes Two. And they are poised to sign off on the radical option of a vodcast,” a TV insider told The Sun.
“But Beeb bosses have seen it embraced on other huge BBC One shows. Particularly The Traitors, where the Uncloaked aftershow got millions tuning in.
“More and more people of all ages and backgrounds enjoy podcasts and vodcasts. So, despite being quite a departure, it’s actually quite a shrewd move.”
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