Janette Manrara vows to make Strictly return months after giving birth | TV & Radio | Showbiz & TV
Strictly Come Dancing star Janette Manrara has vowed to return to It Takes Two later this year when the BBC series kicks off.
The 39-year-old is expecting her first child with Aljaz Skorjanec and stated if “all goes well” then “I’ll be back on the show at the end of September”.
She explained: “It is a fast turnaround but it should be fine.
“I think it’s important to plough forward and when you’re a working mum, you have to adjust and find ways to make it work for you and the baby.”
Janette added to Mirror Online she feels “fortunate” to work alongside people who are excited for her to be a mum and are supportive of her working too.
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She revealed: “They all want to babysit. It’s good to know, both as a woman and a mum, that I’m not expected to just stay at home – I can go back to work and everyone around me will help me make it work.”
Janette went on to confirm: “In my head, I think I’ll be excited to get back to it. And if I’m there and covered in stains, I think I’ll be, like, ‘I’m a mum, guys… it is what it is’.
“I’ll wear sequins and really sparkly tops and nothing will be seen.”
Janette’s comments come after it was announced Fleur East is replacing Rylan Clark as her It Takes Two co-host.
Speaking on The One Show about joining the series, she said: “I’m so excited to officially join the Strictly family!
“I had such an amazing time on the show last year and so cannot wait to be talking to the celebs each week on It Takes Two.
“Being a Strictly fan, I’m excited to get all the behind-the-scenes exclusives on the show.
“I know exactly what the next lot of celebs will be going through. It’s an incredibly fun experience, but it’s tough!
“Hopefully, I can offer them a bit of support and a friendly face along the way.
“I’m so grateful for this opportunity and can’t wait to get started!”
This year will be Janette’s third year hosting the spin-off series and the pair will present the first episode together.
They will also join forces through the series as well as presenting alone.
Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC later this year.
