Strictly Come Dancing star Janette Manrara has finally spoken out on the swirling rumours that she is in line to replace departing hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. The speculation has reached fever pitch ahead of tonight's live final, which will be the veteran presenters' last show.
"The Golden Ticket": Manrara's coy response
Appearing on BBC Breakfast this morning, the It Takes Two host was directly questioned about her future by presenters Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt. When asked if she had "thrown her dancing shoes in the ring" for the coveted main presenting role, Manrara gave a playful but revealing answer.
"That is like the golden ticket to Willy Wonka, you know?" she replied. "Nobody knows. Nobody knows what's happening." She emphasised that the production team's current focus was entirely on the 2025 series finale and giving a proper send-off to Tess and Claudia.
A dream job for any entertainer
Pressed further, Manrara did not shy away from expressing her admiration for the role. "Who doesn't want that job?" she said. "It's the best job if you work in entertainment, if you love warm, happy, family, fun, entertainment. I think it's the best job in the world that anybody would love to have."
When Charlie Stayt tried to get a clearer confirmation, Manrara laughed that he was "putting words in her mouth," but added, "I'm not saying I don't want the job. It is the dream, you know, to do that."
Gratitude for current roles
The professional dancer, who joined Strictly in 2013, was keen to express her thanks for her current presenting opportunities. "It Takes Two has been so good to me," she stated. "The fact that I've been given the opportunity as a professional dancer to now go and host It Takes Two, and of course Morning Live, is really phenomenal. I kind of still pinch myself that it happened."
She ended on a characteristically upbeat note, joking: "So if I get it, the party will be big!"
Tonight's final at Elstree Studios promises to be an emotional double event. Not only will it crown the winner of the 2025 series, but it will also serve as the farewell presentation for Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who announced their departure in October.
The three finalists—Karen Carney, Amber Davies, and George Clarke—will each perform three routines in a bid to win the glitterball trophy. The winner will be announced live by Tess and Claudia in their final act as hosts, bringing a significant chapter in Strictly history to a close.
