Janette Manrara has been officially dropped as host of Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two, the BBC Two spin-off she has presented since 2021. The former Strictly professional dancer confirmed the news in a statement, saying 'Strictly has changed hugely' in recent months.
Manrara, 41, took over the nightly chat show from Zoe Ball, who had hosted for a decade. Alongside co-host Fleur East, she guided viewers through behind-the-scenes gossip, training updates and judge critiques. Her departure follows a period of intense scrutiny for the BBC's flagship entertainment programme.
Last year, Strictly faced allegations of abusive behaviour in the training room, leading to an independent investigation and the introduction of chaperones for all rehearsals. The show's production team has since implemented a series of safeguarding measures. Manrara's exit is seen by insiders as part of a wider restructuring aimed at modernising the programme's format.
Born in Miami but based in London, Manrara joined Strictly as a professional dancer in 2013 and lifted the glitterball trophy with HRVY in 2020. She transitioned to presenting duties the following year, winning praise for her warm, energetic style. Her husband, former Strictly professional Aljaž Škorjanec, returned to the dance floor this year after a two-year break.
The BBC has not yet announced a replacement for Manrara on It Takes Two, which airs weeknights during the Strictly season. The main show continues on BBC One on Saturday evenings, with the current series now in its final weeks. It Takes Two is available on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer.