Strictly Come Dancing's Janette Manrara Says She "Sobbed for Weeks" over Hosting Snub
Manrara said she felt like a frontrunner and called the snub the biggest rejection of her career.
- Janette Manrara revealed the "heartache" of missing out on a Strictly Come Dancing presenting role during an appearance on Jamie Laing's The Great Company podcast, calling it the "biggest rejection of her career."
- Manrara believed she was a "frontrunner" for the role, having served as a professional dancer for eight years on Strictly, then hosted Takes Two for five years while simultaneously leading the Strictly Live Tour for five years.
- After performing well in chemistry tests, Manrara "sobbed for weeks" when producers selected other candidates, finding solace discussing the "grief" of rejection with fellow hopefuls Zoe Ball and Fleur East.
- The BBC One competition officially launched its new season on Saturday, September 26, featuring Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe as hosts, following Manrara's departure from Takes Two earlier this year.
- Supporting husband Aljaz Skorjanec, who returned as a professional dancer for the 2026 series, Manrara is now focusing on other projects, writing on Instagram, "I could not be prouder of all the beautiful years of joy you have brought.
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12 Articles
Janette Manrara admits feeling ‘devastated’ and 'sobbing for weeks' after BBC Strictly rejection
Janette Manrara has opened up about the heartbreak of being passed over for the Strictly Come Dancing presenting role, describing it as "the biggest rejection of my career."The 42-year-old, who spent over a decade as part of the BBC show's fabric, first as a professional dancer for eight years, then as host of the spin-off programme It Takes Two for five years, had auditioned for the main presenting gig earlier this year.The position ultimately …
Belfast Live
Wales OnlineStrictly star broke down in tears as producers' decision left her 'devastated'
The former Strictly Come Dancing professional has opened up about her disappointment at not being chosen as the new host of the BBC dance show, calling it the 'biggest rejection of her career'
Janetta Manrara 'sobbed for weeks' after devastating Strictly rejection
Former Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Janette Manrara has recalled how she 'sobbed for weeks' when she missed out on the hosting job admitted she believed she was a shoo-in to replace Tess and Claudia.
Janette Manrara 'sobbed' over Strictly host snub as 'I felt like a frontrunner'
Former Strictly Come Dancing pro and It Takes Two host Janette Manrara has expressed her deep disappointment at missing out on the job, which went to Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe
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