Strictly's Major Shake-Up
Janette Manrara Departs Strictly After 14 Years, Citing Major Career and Show Overhaul
Janette Manrara has confirmed she is leaving BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing and its spin-off It Takes Two after a 14-year association, saying the show has changed hugely and she is no longer part of either program. In a YouTube video, the former professional dancer (who competed on Strictly from 2013 to 2020) and It Takes Two co-host since 2021 described the shift as a major career turning point and said she will remain involved in other ways while pursuing new projects. She also plans to document her transition through continued YouTube filming. Her exit is part of a broader overhaul ahead of Strictly’s September return, with Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe, and Josh Widdicombe set to replace long-time presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. Several professional dancers have also been dropped from the lineup, including Luba Mushtuk, Gorka Marquez, Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, and Michelle Tsiakkas, a move that has been described as a “bloodbath” by outlets covering the show. Fans responded with support and disappointment across the commentary on her announcement.
Key Points
Manrara tied her departure to a personal transition at home as well as on screen, noting she is married to former Strictly pro Aljaž Škorjanec and is a mother of one/they have a young child together.
For It Takes Two, the articles specify she has been hosting the spin-off alongside Fleur East since 2021, not just that she has been a co-host since that time.
In her YouTube video, Manrara emphasized the emotional impact of stepping away, saying, "Reality is going to hit when I come back from my holiday," as part of what she called a "big shift and change" in her career.
One of the professional dancers axed—Luba Mushtuk—shared a tearful social-media message after being dropped, telling fans she was grateful for her "10 years" on Strictly and vowing to keep dancing.
Sentiment
Mostly NegativePublishers
23
Articles
34
Reach
57
