Janette Manrara confirms departure from Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two
Janette Manrara will not return to present Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two following a big shake-up of the BBC show for 2026.
Janette Manrara has quit Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two.
The 42-year-old star - who was a professional dancer on the BBC Latin and Ballroom dance show from 2013 until 2020 - had fronted the spin-off programme since 2021, originally with Rylan Clark, 37, and then Fleur East, 38, from 2023.
In a YouTube video, Janette told fans: "Strictly Come Dancing has now changed hugely. I'm no longer a part of It Takes Two or the main show.
"I'll still be involved in other ways. But that just means that I'm free to pursue and do many other projects that I've always wanted to do and never really thought about doing.
"Strictly is all I've known for the past 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?’”
The TV presenter - who has been married to Strictly Come Dancing pro Aljaz Skorjanec, 36, since 2017 - said the "big shift and change" in her life will "hit when I come back from my holiday".
Janette's fans rushed to the video's comments section to express their sadness at her departure, as one penned: "Sorry to see you leave Strictly, as Bruce would say, you were my favourite :)
"Saw you in Chicago in Southend though and you were great. Hope to see you on a stage again soon! (sic)"
A second supporter typed: "Sad you going from strictly I will miss you glad you back see you next week (sic)."
And a third follower wrote: "Gutted you aren't the new Strictly presenter....too many opportunities waiting for you. Xx (sic)."
Janette's departure from It Takes Two - which is reportedly being turned from a TV show into a video podcast - comes after pros Karen Hauer, 44, Gorka Marquez, 35, Nadiya Bychkova and Luba Mushtuk, both 36, and Michelle Tsiakkas, 30, were all axed as part of a big shake-up of the show for 2026.
Five new pros - who are yet to be announced - will be replacing them.
Last month, Emma Willis, 50, comic Josh Widdicombe, 43, and ex-Strictly Come Dancing pro Johannes Radebe, 39, were announced as the show's new presenters, following the departures of Tess Daly, 57, and Claudia Winkleman, 54, at the end of the 2025 series in December.
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 - two wonderful, iconic women who have been the beating heart of Strictly for so long.
"I can only hope that we are able to help to steer the ship as beautifully as they have, into this new chapter. I can’t wait to spend my weekends with Josh and Jojo, the incredible dancers and the judges. Fingers crossed for a 10 from them!"
Josh added: "Dancing the Charleston dressed as a penguin for the 2024 Christmas Special of Strictly remains my career high point, so I am giddy with excitement, honoured and a little overawed to be given the chance to step into the biggest shoes in television.
"I adore Emma and Jojo and can’t wait to spend my weekends with them. I’ll dust off the penguin costume."
And Johannes commented: "To be returning to Strictly Come Dancing in this new role is beyond anything I ever imagined. This show has always stood for joy, heart, and togetherness, and I feel deeply honoured to now help carry that magic forward.
"To do it alongside the formidable Emma Willis and the utterly brilliant Josh Widdicombe makes it even more special. I’m ready-sequins, nerves, and all...please bear with me. Love Jojo."
Strictly Come Dancing is set to return in September.
