Janette Manrara has confirmed her departure from Strictly Come Dancing's spin-off programme It Takes Two, bringing an end to her 14-year association with the BBC dance franchise.
The 42-year-old presenter shared the news in a YouTube video posted this week, revealing she would not be returning when the series resumes later this year.
"Strictly Come Dancing has now changed hugely. I'm no longer a part of It Takes Two or the main show," Ms Manrara said in the video.
She indicated the move would allow her to explore fresh opportunities, stating: "I'll still be involved in other ways.
Janette Manrara and husband Aljaž Škorjanec have been part of the Strictly furniture for years
| GETTY"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."
Reflecting on the transition, she added: "Strictly's all I've ever known for the last 14 years."
Ms Manrara first joined the Strictly family in 2013 as a professional dancer, performing on the main show until 2020.
During her seven years in the ballroom, she was partnered with a range of celebrity contestants including Peter Andre, Aston Merrygold, Melvin Odoom and Dr Ranj Singh.
Janette Manrara fronted spin-off show It Takes Two
| BBCThe dancer is married to Slovenian performer Aljaž Škorjanec, a fellow Strictly professional whom she met through the programme.
In 2021, Ms Manrara stepped back from dancing and quickstepped into a presenting role, taking over from Zoe Ball as co-host of It Takes Two.
She initially presented alongside Rylan Clark before Fleur East joined her as co-presenter.
The spin-off hosting position came after Ms Manrara decided to step back from competitive dancing, with the star previously telling Hello! magazine that the move lifted pressure from her life as she considered starting a family.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Janette Manrara used to serve as a pro dancer on the show
|PA
Supporters quickly flooded the video with messages of disappointment following the announcement.
One viewer wrote: "Sorry to see you leave Strictly, as Bruce would say, you were my favourite. Saw you in Chicago in Southend and you were great. Hope to see you on a stage again soon!"
Another commented: "Gutted you aren't the new Strictly presenter....too many opportunities waiting for you."
Ms Manrara's exit comes amid widespread speculation about her future with the programme.
Johannes Radebe, Josh Widdicombe and Emma Willis will front the new series of Strictly | BBCReports had suggested she was facing the axe as part of a broader restructuring of the show following the departure of long-standing hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
In April, when asked about potentially taking on a main show presenting role, Ms Manrara told BBC Breakfast: "I don't know, we'll have to wait and find out. I think everyone at the moment is a bit on standby."
Ms Manrara's departure is the latest in a long line of significant departures as part of a major overhaul ahead of the 2026 series.
Five professional dancers have also confirmed they will not return to the ballroom: Karen Hauer, Gorka Marquez, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk and Michelle Tsiakkas.
Karen Hauer was one of five pro dancers who announced their departures from Strictly Come Dancing last month
| GETTYMs Hauer had been the longest-serving female professional on the programme.
The most substantial change, however, involves the main show's presenting team.
Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced last year that the 2025 series would be their final outing.
Emma Willis, comedian Josh Widdicombe and professional dancer Johannes Radebe have been confirmed as the new presenting trio, with the series due to return this autumn.
Ms Willis described the appointment as something she "can't quite comprehend," adding: "It's impossible to fill the shoes that Tess and Claudia have left behind."
Meanwhile, Mr Radebe added: "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."
And Josh Widdicombe weighed in: "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."
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