14 years on: Janette Manrara’s emotional Strictly farewell

Fourteen years. That is how long Janette Manrara spent as part of the Strictly Come Dancing family before confirming her departure from both the main BBC show and its companion programme, It Takes Two. For many viewers, her announcement marks the end of a familiar chapter in one of Britain's most successful entertainment franchises. The decision comes after years in which she evolved from professional dancer to one of the programme's most recognisable presenting faces.

The Bottom Line

• Janette Manrara has confirmed she is leaving the Strictly Come Dancing family.
• Her exit includes stepping away from It Takes Two, which she hosted after her dancing career on the show.
• She spent around 14 years associated with the Strictly brand.
• The announcement has prompted an emotional response from viewers and fellow cast members.
• The BBC programme now faces another period of transition ahead of future series.

Breaking It Down

Manrara first joined Strictly as a professional dancer and quickly became one of the programme's most popular personalities. Her energetic performances, combined with a warm on-screen presence, helped her build a loyal following among viewers across the UK.

After leaving the professional line-up, she moved into presenting duties on It Takes Two. The role allowed her to remain closely connected to the competition while bringing a different perspective to fans following the drama, rehearsals and results each week.

In confirming her departure, Manrara spoke openly about the reality of leaving a production that had shaped much of her professional life. The tone of her message reflected both gratitude and the challenge of stepping away from something she described as central to her career.

Reality has started to hit.

For fans, the news arrived as another reminder that long-running television institutions constantly evolve. Presenters, judges and professional dancers may change, yet the programme continues to reinvent itself year after year.

Why This Matters

Strictly is more than a television competition. It remains one of the BBC's biggest entertainment brands, drawing millions of viewers and shaping careers across the industry. When a prominent figure leaves, audiences often feel a personal connection to that change.

What's interesting is how Manrara's journey mirrors the broader appeal of the programme itself. She arrived as a dancer, developed into a television personality and became a trusted face for viewers. In many ways, she embodied the opportunities the show can create.

For British audiences, there is also a sense of continuity and change. The show must go on, as the saying goes, but departures of familiar figures inevitably alter the atmosphere. If you're a regular viewer, you might already be wondering how the next chapter will look.

Similar transitions have happened before, with presenters and professionals moving on to new projects. Yet each departure carries its own significance because of the personal relationships viewers build with television personalities over time.

What Comes Next

The immediate focus will turn to who fills the space left behind and how the franchise continues to evolve. Any future presenting announcements are likely to attract significant attention from fans eager to see the next era take shape.

Meanwhile, Manrara's television career appears far from over. Her experience across live entertainment, broadcasting and performance leaves plenty of opportunities ahead, both within and beyond the BBC landscape.

FAQ

Why is Janette Manrara leaving Strictly?

She confirmed she is no longer part of Strictly Come Dancing or It Takes Two after spending around 14 years with the franchise.

How long was Janette Manrara involved with Strictly?

She was associated with the programme for roughly 14 years as both a professional dancer and presenter.

What role did Janette Manrara have on It Takes Two?

She served as host of the companion programme after ending her run as a professional dancer.

Will Janette Manrara continue working in television?

While future projects have not been fully detailed, she remains an established broadcaster and television personality.

When was her departure announced?

The confirmation was made publicly on 4 June 2026 through media interviews and personal statements.