Janette Manrara has confirmed she will not return as host of Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two, the BBC spin-off she has fronted since 2021. The 42-year-old former professional dancer shared the news in a YouTube video, sparking an immediate wave of support from fans.
Manrara, who danced on the main show from 2013 to 2020, explained that her departure opens up new opportunities. "Strictly Come Dancing has now changed hugely. I'm no longer a part of It Takes Two or the main show," she said. "I'll still be involved in other ways. But that just means I'm free to pursue many other projects I've always wanted to do."
Reflecting on the transition, she added: "Strictly's all I've ever known for the last 14 years, so it is a bit like, 'Oh, we're going into a different world, a different space, how are we going to navigate that?'"
Fans flooded the video with comments expressing their sadness and encouragement. One wrote: "Sorry to see you leave Strictly, as Bruce would say, you were my favourite. Saw you in Chicago in Southend and you were great. Hope to see you on a stage again soon!" Another said: "Gutted you aren't the new Strictly presenter... too many opportunities waiting for you."
Manrara is not the only star exiting the long-running dance show. Professionals Karen Hauer, Gorka Marquez, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, and Michelle Tsiakkas will also not return. Meanwhile, presenters Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly have announced that the 2025 series will be their last.
New presenters Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe will take over the main show this autumn. Emma said: "It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of Strictly – I've cheered and danced along from my sofa for years - so to be stepping into the Strictly ballroom is something I can't quite comprehend. It's impossible to fill the shoes that Tess and Claudia have left behind... I can only hope that we are able to help steer the ship as beautifully as they have."
Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One and BBC iPlayer this autumn.
