Janette Manrara speaks out on BBC Strictly presenting role amid exits with cryptic statement: 'Wait and find out'

Olivia Gantzer
Wed, 15 Apr 2026 13:14:25 +0000

Janette Manrara has addressed speculation surrounding her potential move to host the main Strictly Come Dancing programme, revealing she remains uncertain about her future role on the BBC show.

Speaking on BBC Breakfast this morning, the It Takes Two presenter was questioned about whether she would be stepping into a new presenting position for the upcoming series.

"I don't know, we'll have to wait and find out," the 42-year-old said in an ambiguous response.

Ms Manrara suggested that decisions regarding the programme's future remain up in the air across the board.

"I think everyone at the moment is a bit on standby, so we'll see what happens," she added.

The former professional dancer has been tipped as a frontrunner to fill the presenting vacancy on the flagship Saturday night programme.

The hosting positions became available after Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly departed from the programme at the conclusion of the previous series in December.

Ms Manrara, who previously performed as a pro dancer on the show before transitioning to present the spin-off programme, is considered among the leading candidates to take over.

She is not the only name in contention, however.

Zoe Ball has publicly expressed her interest in the role, telling the Sunday Times earlier this year that she would "love to do it".

The TV and radio presenter indicated she would favour either Rylan Clark or Vernon Kay as a potential co-host should she land the position.

The BBC has yet to confirm who will front the 2026 series.

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The search for new hosts comes as the BBC has also seen significant changes to its professional dancer lineup.

Four dancers have confirmed their departure from the programme ahead of the 2026 series: Michelle Tsiakkas, Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova and Luba Mushtuk.

Ms Manrara acknowledged these exits during her BBC Breakfast appearance, suggesting the show faces a period of considerable transition.

"I'm assuming we'll have a couple of new professionals and a couple of new presenters," she said regarding the forthcoming series.

The departures mark a notable shake-up for the long-running dance competition, which must now recruit fresh talent both in front of the camera and on the dancefloor.

Ms Hauer's exit is particularly significant given her lengthy tenure as one of the show's most recognisable professional performers.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding her presenting future, Ms Manrara spoke warmly about the programme's impact on her personal life.

Appearing on the morning show alongside her husband and Strictly professional Aljaz Skorjanec, she stated: "We're very, very lucky. The show has given us this beautiful platform to be able to go off and do the tours that we do, and we don't take it for granted."