Strictly Come Dancing professional Katya Jones has publicly named her ideal candidate to replace Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly as hosts of the hit BBC dance competition. The 36-year-old dancer made her revelation during Wednesday's episode of ITV's Loose Women, where she appeared alongside her current celebrity partner, Emmerdale star Lewis Cope.
The Host Replacement Discussion
While discussing her Strictly journey with 30-year-old Lewis, panelist Katie Piper, 42, steered the conversation towards the upcoming hosting vacancy. This follows the announcement last month that Winkleman and Daly would be stepping down from their roles after presenting the dancing show together since 2014.
Katya, who joined Strictly in 2016, didn't hesitate with her answer. 'Naturally for me, it's Janette, Janette Manrara, she's done it all,' the dancer declared. 'She's done it as a professional, she's presenting It's Take Two, she knows what we're going through.'
Jones elaborated on why Manrara represents the perfect choice, explaining: 'She'd be the perfect Claudia... Talking to us, feeling it with us, you know what it's like, one dance... it went well or didn't go well. You want someone that would understand it!'
Janette Manrara's Strictly Credentials
Janette Manrara brings substantial experience to the potential role, having served as a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing between 2013 and 2021. During her eight years competing, she partnered with several celebrities including Peter Andre, Jake Wood, Aston Merrygold and Melvin Odoom.
Since 2021, the dancer has hosted the programme's sister show, It Takes Two, giving her valuable presenting experience within the Strictly universe. Manrara is also married to fellow Strictly star Aljaž Škorjanec, and the couple recently welcomed a daughter.
Other Potential Candidates Emerge
During the Loose Women discussion, panelist Mariella Frostrup, 63, suggested that Katya Jones herself might be suitable for the hosting position. However, the dancer indicated she might prefer a different role within the show's structure.
'I've judged Dancing With The Stars in Belgium,' Katya revealed. 'I enjoyed it, I could feel what the contestants are going through.' This comment suggests the professional dancer might be more interested in joining the judging panel than taking over hosting duties.
Katya also took time to praise her current dance partner, Lewis Cope, describing his focus and ability as 'extraordinary'. She explained: 'The way he listens and translates into his body, and stays so focused. Nothing distracts him. I've never ever felt so secure going onto this dance floor every Saturday.'
The End of an Era
Claudia Winkleman, 53, and Tess Daly, 56, announced their departure from Strictly Come Dancing last month in a joint Instagram video. Daly first joined the series in 2004, while Winkleman became a main presenter in 2014.
In their emotional farewell message, the presenting duo wrote: 'We have loved working as a duo and hosting Strictly has been an absolute dream. We were always going to leave together and now feels like the right time.'
The current series of Strictly Come Dancing continues with several celebrities still competing for the Glitterball Trophy, including Lewis Cope, Vicky Pattison, Amber Davies, and Karen Carney among others.
Loose Women airs weekdays from 12.30pm on ITV.
