Janette Manrara,the 42-year-old professional dancer and presenter, recently opened up about the most painful moment of her professional life . While speaking on the Great Company podcast with Jamie Laing, Manrara detailed the heartbreak of being passed over for the lead hosting role on the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing.
The week of sobbing after the Strictly hosting audition
The rejection came after a rigorous audition process that left the presenter feeling highly optimistic.. According to the report, Manrara believed she had performed exceptionally well during the chemistry tests and felt she was a natural fit for the main stage. However, the news—delivered via her agent—was a "really hard pill to swallow," leading the dancer to sob for an entire week. The report notes that Manrara ultimately lost the position to Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe.
Thirteen years of BBC service and the "front runner" status
Manrara’s confidence was not unfounded, as her career with the Strictly franchise spans over a decade . She spent eight years as a professional dancer on the program before transitioning into a presenting role . This was followed by five years as the host of the companion show It Takes Two, as well as five years leading the Strictly Live tour . Because of this extensive history, Manrara admitted she felt she was a "front runner" for the primary hosting role.
Finding solidarity with Zoe Ball and Fleur East
Navigating the emotional aftermath of the rejection was made easier through the support of other television personalities. Manrara credited fellow presenters, most notably Zoe Ball and Fleur East, with helping her process the disappointment. Despite the setback, Manrara expressed pride in her ability to compete against major names in British television, noting that she has spent the last seven years honing her skills as a presenter.
The uncertain future following the It Takes Two overhaul
The rejection of the main hosting role appears to be part of a larger,more permanent shift in Manrara's relationship with the BBC. As the report states, Manrara has effectively cut ties with the Strictly franchise following a major ovrehaul of the show's lineup. This overhaul resulted in both Manrara and Fleur East being replaced as the hosts of It Takes Two.. While Manrara has demonstrated her talent over many years, it remains unclear whether she will find a new home within the BBC or if this marks a total departure from the brand.
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