Manrara confirms she's 'no longer a part' of Strictly

Janette Manrara has confirmed her departure from the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, announcing she is “no longer a part” of the main show or its popular spin-off, It Takes Two. The 42-year-old, who first joined the franchise in 2013 as a professional dancer, shared the news via a video on her YouTube account, signaling a significant shift in her career path.

Did You Know? Janette Manrara’s tenure with the franchise spans 14 years, during which time she transitioned from a professional dancer to a television host, taking over the It Takes Two role from Zoe Ball in 2021.

A Season of Transformation

The departure of Manrara follows a period of extensive restructuring for the long-running series. Following the exits of veteran hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman last year, the production has undergone a comprehensive shake-up of its lineup. This includes the confirmed departures of professional dancers Karen Hauer, Gorka Marquez, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, and Michelle Tsiakkas.

With new hosts Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe set to take the reins this autumn, the show is entering a distinct new era. Manrara, who previously expressed that the cast was “on standby” regarding future roles, noted that the show has changed significantly, prompting her to look toward new projects she had not previously considered.

Expert Insight: The departure of such a long-standing personality suggests that the production is seeking a complete stylistic refresh. By cycling through both legacy hosts and professional dancers, the show is likely attempting to redefine its identity for a modern audience, though the loss of familiar faces often presents a challenge in maintaining long-term viewer loyalty.

What Comes Next

As Manrara steps away from the daily demands of the series, she has indicated that she will remain involved in other capacities while focusing on independent projects. Given her history with the show—which served as the backdrop for her marriage to Aljaz Skorjanec and her journey into parenthood—We see likely that she may continue to pursue live touring opportunities, similar to their “Let’s Face The Music and Dance” tour.

For the series itself, the introduction of three new hosts may signal a shift in the chemistry and tone of the broadcasts this autumn. Viewers may expect a different pace as the production team attempts to integrate a new presenting trio into an established format.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Janette Manrara leaving the show?

Manrara stated that the show has changed significantly and that she is no longer part of the main show or It Takes Two, allowing her the freedom to pursue other projects she has not previously had the chance to explore.

Janette Manrara and Aljaž Skorjanec (Strictly Come Dancing) – Move It 2015

Who else is leaving the production?

Beyond the departure of long-time hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, it has been confirmed that professional dancers Karen Hauer, Gorka Marquez, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, and Michelle Tsiakkas will not be returning.

Who are the new hosts of the main show?

Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe have been announced as the new hosts for the upcoming autumn season.

How do you feel about the major casting changes coming to the series this year?

Manrara confirms she’s ‘no longer a part’ of Strictly