Janette Manrara has confirmed her exit from Strictly Come Dancing and its spin-off It Takes Two, revealing that the BBC show has 'changed hugely'. The television star, who was a professional dancer on the series from 2013 to 2020 and has hosted It Takes Two alongside Fleur East since 2021, announced she will not return for the upcoming season.
In a candid YouTube video, Manrara shared that she is facing a 'huge shift in her career' as 'reality starts to hit' that her 14-year association with the show has ended. She stated: 'Strictly Come Dancing has changed hugely and I am no longer a part of It Takes Two or the main show. 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.'
Manrara, who is married to fellow dancer Aljaž Škorjanec, explained that she will continue filming YouTube videos as she navigates this transition. 'I'm making a huge shift in my career. I want to bring you on the journey with me and guide you on the madness of it all, as it is a crazy shift. Reality is going to hit when I come back from my holiday,' she added.
Strictly Come Dancing Undergoes Major Revamp
The BBC show is set for a significant overhaul ahead of its return in September. Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe, and Josh Widdicombe will replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman as hosts. Additionally, several professional dancers have been axed, including Luba Mushtuk, Gorka Marquez, Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, and Michelle Tsiakkas.
Luba Mushtuk and Gorka Marquez recently bid an emotional farewell to the show during the professionals' tour. In a TikTok video, Mushtuk broke down in tears, reflecting on her 'absolutely unforgettable' experience. She told the audience: 'The dance we love has to sometimes come to an end, but that doesn't mean the music stops. It means there are new dances waiting to be discovered, new steps to learn and new stories to tell.'
Mushtuk later shared a statement on Instagram: 'With a heart full of gratitude, the time has come for me to step away from Strictly Come Dancing. I am deeply grateful for the past 10 years on this beautiful show! It has truly meant the world to me.' The BBC paid tribute, saying: 'A heartfelt thank you to Luba Mushtuk for her outstanding contribution to Strictly Come Dancing. Since joining in 2016, Luba has been a valued member of the team, bringing professionalism, creativity, and quality expertise year after year.'
Gorka Marquez also confirmed his departure, citing family priorities after juggling commitments with the Spanish version of the show. On his podcast, he described his exit as 'bittersweet' but expressed gratitude for his time on the programme, noting he 'learned lots, met lots of people, and made friends.'
New Professional Dancers Join the Lineup
In addition to the new presenters, Strictly Come Dancing will welcome five new professional dancers for the upcoming season, marking a new era for the beloved BBC series.
