Janette Manrara has revealed she 'sobbed for weeks' after being overlooked for the Strictly Come Dancing presenting role, describing it as the 'biggest rejection' of her career. The former professional dancer and It Takes Two host had been among the frontrunners for the vacancy following the exit of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe were chosen instead, but have faced fierce criticism in the opening weeks. Speaking to Jamie Laing on his Great Company podcast, Manrara admitted the decision didn't sit well with her.
'A really hard pill to swallow'
'I remember coming home and it was a really hard pill to swallow,' she said. 'When you just put it on paper you assume "okay, I've got a shot" because all the pieces are there.'
Manrara said her Strictly journey from professional dancer to spin-off host had her believing the main hosting role was the perfect next step. She claimed she felt she had done well in the show's chemistry tests – and was told this was the case too.
'I assumed I did a great job,' she told Jamie. While she knows she's not 'owed' a job, she said the decision broke her heart.
'I felt like I was a frontrunner'
'I felt like I was a frontrunner,' she admitted. 'I went from being a professional dancer on the show. Then I became the host of It Takes Two for five years and at the same time hosted the Strictly Live Tour for five years. And in the Strictly Live Tour, I play both Tess and Claudia with all the judges and the couples.'
She added: 'Unfortunately they just decided to go elsewhere. And of course it hit hard. Of course I was devastated.' She says she has been in regular contact with Zoe Ball and Fleur East, who also missed out.
She joked the trio feel like they've gone through 'the seven stages of grief,' but said she can't hold personal feelings against the 'fickle' industry. Rather than wallow, she is keen to remind herself something else will come and she did a 'bloody good job' during her time hosting.
'I sobbed for weeks'
When Jamie admitted the decision would have 'f***ed him off', Manrara said she was 'super devastated'. Trying to laugh it off, she went on to confess she had been nervous throughout the process. And she revealed everybody found out on the same day whether they got the role or not.
'I sobbed for weeks, I'm not going to lie,' she candidly said before refusing to burn bridges. 'I called them [the producers] the next day and they were just there for me.'
'And ultimately, they said "you were brilliant. We loved you. I can't tell you why." I think I would hate to be in that position to pick the next host of that show. I think it's a very, very tough choice. So I'm very empathetic and kind. And very aware it's business.'
She claimed the trio were a 'brilliant' choice, admitting she quickly messaged Johannes to tell him how proud she is of him.
Viewers have been divided with how the chemistry between the new hosts comes across on camera. While Emma has received praise, Josh had come under scrutiny for his role. One fan suggested that producers may switch up the roles each week.
'I'm curious to see if they might "Rotate or alternate" the roles in a similar style to the launch show,' they wrote. 'It's only Week 1 so there's time to make changes and it feels very "trial and error" right now.'
'I think they'll keep Emma downstairs – she's a natural in the "Tess role" and she can shine on her own. I'd like to see Josh on his own one week in Claudia's area where his comedy/jokes might work better. JoJo was quite wooden and static in Claudia's area – He's definitely a better dancer compared to presenter but I think he'll get better as he settles into the role it's only week 1.'
