Janette Manrara Strictly exit in 2026 marked a major change in her television career. After years as a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing and later as a presenter of its companion programme, Strictly: It Takes Two, she confirmed that she would no longer be part of either show. Her departure came during a wider period of change for the BBC dance competition, with new presenters taking on key roles for the 2026 series.
The announcement raised questions among viewers who had followed Janette’s journey from the dance floor to television presenting. Interest grew further in September 2026, when she spoke openly on Jamie Laing’s Great Company podcast about missing out on the main Strictly Come Dancing presenting job. Her comments added important context to her departure, while her stage work showed that she was continuing to pursue opportunities beyond Strictly.
Why Did Janette Manrara Leave Strictly Come Dancing?
Janette Manrara confirmed in early June 2026 that she was no longer part of Strictly Come Dancing or Strictly: It Takes Two. In a video shared with her followers, she reflected on how much the programme had changed and explained that she would not be returning to either show. Her announcement brought an end to a significant period of her professional life, during which she had become a familiar face to viewers of the BBC dance competition.
Although Janette acknowledged the changes taking place within the Strictly franchise, she did not publicly provide a detailed explanation of every factor behind her departure. It is therefore important to distinguish her confirmed comments from speculation about why the decision was made. Her announcement established that she was leaving both programmes, but it did not set out a complete account of the discussions behind the decision. For viewers, the central fact was that her role in the franchise had come to an end as the BBC prepared for a new television season.
Janette Manrara’s Journey from Professional Dancer to Television Presenter
Janette first joined Strictly Come Dancing as a professional dancer in 2013. Her background in dance helped her bring technical knowledge, performance experience and an energetic presence to the competition. As a professional, she worked with celebrity partners and helped them prepare routines across different dance styles. The role required more than performing on Saturday nights: professional dancers also supported their partners through rehearsals, learned choreography and adapted routines to suit different levels of ability.
After leaving her regular role as a professional dancer in 2020, Janette moved into television presenting. In 2021, she became a co-presenter of Strictly: It Takes Two, working alongside Fleur East. The spin-off programme gave viewers a closer look at the competition through interviews, rehearsal footage, discussions about performances and conversations with celebrities and professional dancers. Her experience on the main show allowed her to discuss the contestants’ challenges from an informed perspective. This transition meant that her connection with Strictly continued even after she stopped competing as a professional dancer.
Janette Manrara’s Emotional Reaction to Missing the Main Presenting Job
In an episode of Jamie Laing’s Great Company podcast published on 29 September 2026, Janette spoke about the disappointment of missing out on the opportunity to present the main Strictly Come Dancing programme. She described the experience as the “biggest rejection of my career” and said that she had “sobbed for weeks”. Her comments offered a more personal perspective on a professional setback that had clearly affected her. Rather than presenting the experience as a minor disappointment, she explained how difficult it had been to accept the outcome.
Janette also discussed the scale of the presenting opportunity and why she had believed she had a chance of securing the role. Her reaction reflected the emotional investment that can accompany a major career ambition, particularly when someone has spent years working within the same television programme. Missing out on a position does not necessarily mean that a person lacks ability or experience; decisions about television presenting can involve a range of considerations that are not always made public. Janette’s account focused on her own feelings and experience, rather than providing evidence of the full reasoning behind the decision.
Who Replaced Janette Manrara on It Takes Two?
Comedian and presenter Ellie Taylor was announced as the new host of Strictly: It Takes Two on 15 August 2026. She took over the presenting role as the BBC prepared a refreshed version of the companion programme for the new series. Ellie was already familiar to Strictly viewers because she had competed on the main show in 2022, when she was partnered with professional dancer Johannes Radebe. Her return in a presenting role gave her a different connection to the competition, drawing on her experience as a former contestant as well as her work in comedy and television.
The change also followed Fleur East’s departure from the companion programme. The BBC thanked both Janette and Fleur for their contributions, while announcing Ellie as the new host. The revised series included features designed to offer viewers more insight into the contestants and professional dancers, alongside interviews and discussion of the competition. These changes formed part of the programme’s new direction rather than indicating that Janette had moved into another role within It Takes Two. Her departure and Ellie’s appointment were separate developments within the wider changes to the show.
What Is Janette Manrara Doing Now?
Following her departure from Strictly, Janette continued to pursue opportunities outside the television franchise. One of her confirmed projects in 2026 was Affluenza, a stage production at Riverside Studios in London. The production was scheduled to run from 26 September to 21 November 2026. Its subject matter explores the consequences of privilege and a teenager’s drunken car journey, giving Janette an opportunity to work in a dramatic stage production rather than in dance-based television presenting.
The project represents a different kind of performance work from her familiar roles on Strictly. Her career has included professional dancing, television presenting and stage performance, and acting in a dramatic production allows her to explore another area of entertainment. Janette has expressed enthusiasm about taking on new challenges, although it is best not to assume that every possible future project has been confirmed. For now, Affluenza provides a clear example of her work beyond the BBC competition and shows that her departure from Strictly does not mark the end of her career in entertainment.
(FAQs)
Why did Janette Manrara leave Strictly?
Janette confirmed in early June 2026 that she was no longer part of Strictly Come Dancing or Strictly: It Takes Two. She commented that the show had changed considerably, but did not publicly provide a complete explanation of the decision.
When did Janette Manrara stop being a Strictly professional dancer?
Janette joined Strictly Come Dancing as a professional dancer in 2013 and left that regular role in 2020. She subsequently became a presenter of Strictly: It Takes Two in 2021.
What did Janette Manrara say about missing the main presenting job?
On Jamie Laing’s Great Company podcast, published on 29 September 2026, Janette described missing out on the main presenting job as the “biggest rejection of my career”. She also said she had “sobbed for weeks” after the disappointment.
Who replaced Janette Manrara on It Takes Two?
Ellie Taylor was announced as the new host of Strictly: It Takes Two on 15 August 2026. She took over as the programme introduced a refreshed format for the 2026 series.
What is Janette Manrara doing after Strictly?
One confirmed project is Affluenza, a stage production at Riverside Studios in London, scheduled to run from 26 September to 21 November 2026. She has also spoken about being excited for the opportunities ahead, although further projects should only be treated as confirmed when officially announced.
Conclusion
Janette Manrara’s Strictly exit in 2026 marked the end of a significant chapter in her television career. After working as a professional dancer and later presenting Strictly: It Takes Two, she moved on from the franchise during a period of major presenting changes. Her comments about missing the main presenting job revealed the personal impact of that disappointment, while her involvement in Affluenza highlights her work beyond Strictly. Her future career will become clearer as further projects are officially announced.
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