Former Strictly Come Dancing star Janette Manrara has revealed she was left "angry" after receiving backlash from fellow mums when she returned to work just six weeks after giving birth. The 42-year-old, who welcomed her first child, Lyra, with husband and fellow Strictly professional Aljaž Škorjanec in 2023, said she was accused of "leaving her child" and setting a bad example for other mothers.
Backlash after return to work
Speaking on the Great Company with Jamie Laing podcast, Janette recalled being "so excited" to return to hosting duties on Morning Live after spending time in what she described as a "beautiful bubble" with her daughter. However, she was surprised by the negative response she received after sharing her excitement on Instagram.
Janette said she read comments such as: "I can't believe you're leaving your child." Another troll claimed she didn't love her child and accused her of setting a bad example for other mothers.
She recalled: "I was like, 'Are you kidding me?' Where is the girl power, the female support if the first person to judge me when I'm doing something is a woman of all people?"
Tour and family support
Janette said further backlash occurred when she went on a UK and Ireland tour to play Roxie Hart in Chicago for six months. She explained that, in the worst-case scenario, she saw Lyra once a week, though she said she was mostly on the road with her, with the support of Aljaž.
This year, Janette is championing her husband, who is back on the dance floor for Strictly 2026. Aljaž is paired with Gavin and Stacey star Melanie Walters, one of this year's 15 celebrities hoping to win the Glitterball trophy.
Strictly continues this weekend
The competition continues this weekend with the second live show, as all the dancing duos return to the dance floor for Movie Week. Strictly Come Dancing continues Saturday at 6.15pm on BBC One.
