Strictly’s Janette Manrara quits after eight years as she announced as new host of It Takes Two

STRICTLY Come Dancing professional Janette Manrara has quit the show after eight years to be the host of spin-off Strictly: It Takes Two.

The 37-year-old will be replacing Zoe Ball, who stood down as presenter in May after a decade.

Sharing her news on The One Show today, she revealed she will be joining Rylan Clark-Neal on the BBC 2 programme on weeknights, while the dancing show is on air.

Discussing her new role, the Cuban-American star, who is married to co-star Aljaž Škorjanec,  said: “It’s a dream come true to become part of the It Takes Two team! 

“Although it’s impossible to fill in the shoes of a legend like Zoe Ball, I hope to make her and all of the Strictly fans proud.”



She added: “ I will miss dancing on that iconic dance floor weekly, but forever grateful to continue being a part of the Strictly Come Dancing family!”

Eve Winstanley, Executive Producer, It Takes Two said: “We are so excited that Janette will be Cha Cha Cha-ing her way into the It Takes Two family. Her love and passion for all things dance will bring something new and fresh to the show.”

Alex McLeod, Commissioning Editor for BBC Daytime and Early Peak, added: "We know that our viewers are avid fans of Strictly and cannot get enough expert advice, backstage gossip and dancing tips and tricks.  I can't think of anyone better than Janette to do this.  I am so excited that she is joining our It Takes Two family.”


Janette first joined Strictly in 2013 dancing with Julien MacDonald, she went on to partner with Jake Wood , Peter Andre, Melvin Odoom , Aston Merrygold , Dr Ranj Singh and Will Bayley.

Last year she danced with HRVY and came in second place – her highest ranking.

New professional dancers for the upcoming series are due to be announced near the autumn.


Zoe, 50, announced she was quitting as host in May of this year.

She landed Claudia Winkleman's job in 2011 when she moved over to front the main show with Tess Daly.

In 2019 former This Morning presenter Rylan, 32, began sharing hosting duties with Zoe.

Janette was one of the first to wish Zoe well when she announced her departure.

She commented on her statement: "Oh @zoetheball!! I looked forward to our chats on that couch more then any other part of the week!

"You really are a diamond of a human being and deserve all of the wonderful things that are coming your way! Although you’ll be missed, it’s not “goodbye”, it’s more of a “see ya around”! Love you!"

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