Janette Manrara is returning to host the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour in 2027, a role she previously filled last year. The BBC show confirmed the news on Instagram, sharing a picture of Manrara alongside judges Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke.
Tour Dates and Judges Confirmed
The live tour will visit arenas across the UK in January and February 2027. Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke will reunite on the judging panel, with Manrara returning as host. The official Strictly Instagram account wrote: "The Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour is back for 2027! Coming to arenas across the UK in January and February 2027, prepare for an evening packed with all the glitz, glamour & feel good fun that you love about Strictly!"
The post added: "Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke will reunite on the judging panel while Janette Manrara returns as tour host to keep the energy high and fun flowing all night. Book now via the Strictly Live Tour website!"
Fans React to the Announcement
Fans quickly commented on the post, with many expressing delight at Manrara's return. One person said: "Janette would have been a brilliant SCD host." Another wrote: "Fantastic, Janette is back." A third commented: "Welcome back, Janette." One fan added: "Oh, lovely that Janette is back as host. I really do not mind Ellie (Taylor), but I so miss Janette."
Manrara's Strictly Journey
Manrara was part of Strictly Come Dancing for almost 14 years before stepping away this year. She initially joined as a professional dancer, then left the main programme to host its spin-off show, It Takes Two, which she presented for five years. She auditioned to become one of the main hosts following the exit of Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly, but the role went to Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe instead.
Speaking on This Morning, Manrara said: "It was tough because Strictly was such a huge part of my life, I was there for almost 14 years." She added: "Aljaz is still in the show, so I just hoped that it would go in that way for me. But, it didn't, and that's ok because I think life finds a way of still giving you that magic that is needed for you. I really wanted to act. I had been working on my acting skills for the last couple of years, actually."
The 42-year-old is currently starring in Affluenza alongside Netflix star Noah Schnapp. Strictly Come Dancing continues Saturday on BBC One at 6:30pm.
