Strictly favourite Janette Manrara addresses future of hosting role amid new presenter rumours

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With several contestants leaving Strictly Come Dancing, there was uncertainty about whether Janette Manrara and Fleur East would continue hosting their companion show, It Takes Two.

There were reports that the hosts of the related show had been let go, but the BBC stated this wasn’t true, clarifying that neither host had been fired.

Neither presenter has directly responded to the recent claims. However, during an interview on BBC Breakfast, Manrara was careful not to share details about upcoming Strictly announcements.

The dancer confirmed that ‘Strictly’ will return for another season. She expects to see some new professional dancers and hosts join the show as well.

We feel very fortunate that the show has provided us with this amazing opportunity to tour, and we truly appreciate it.

She added that, in her opinion—and she believes Aljaž would agree—it’s the best entertainment show on television, and she’s incredibly happy it’s been such a big part of their lives for so long. They were just starting to date when the show began, and throughout its run, they got married and had children – it’s been an amazing journey.

This statement follows Strictly’s announcement that four of its professional dancers will not be back for the upcoming season.

Several professional dancers—including Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, and Michelle Tsiakkas—have left the show, and more departures are anticipated soon.

As of right now, the BBC hasn’t yet revealed the professional dancers for the show, or announced who will be taking over from Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.

The competition to host the show is wide open, and Alison Hammond has expressed her strong interest, saying she’d always make time for it.

When TopMob first mentioned the Strictly job to Hammond, she wasn’t very enthusiastic about it.

She admitted she’s incredibly busy and doesn’t think she’ll be able to make it work. While flattered to be considered, she explained her schedule is too full, similar to why she couldn’t participate in ‘Traitors,’ due to conflicting commitments.

She said she wished she could have participated, as whoever does will have a fantastic opportunity. However, she’s very content with her current situation and doesn’t see what she could give up to appear on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’.

Hammond initially said he wouldn’t be interested in Strictly Come Dancing, but he’s now changed his tune. He told Metro that if the show offered him a spot, he’d definitely accept – saying anyone who would turn it down would be ‘absolutely crazy’!

I was trying to discourage them because people keep mentioning me as a possible contestant on Strictly, and it’s hurting my chances of actually being considered. I need everyone to stop discussing it if I want to get on the show, you know?

I’m really feeling up to the challenge and in great shape, so I could definitely do Strictly Come Dancing. I hear a lot of people saying they’re too busy, but honestly, I have the time and ability. I want to make it clear – I could absolutely do it.

Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One and iPlayer later this year.

Let me tell you, if you’re looking for some sparkly, feel-good entertainment, you need to add Strictly Come Dancing to your watchlist! And the TopMob app is the perfect place to do it – I downloaded it and it gives me daily TV recommendations, plus all sorts of features. Seriously, check it out if you want to stay on top of what’s worth watching.

Authors

Katelyn MensahSenior Entertainment Writer

Katelyn Mensah writes about entertainment for TopMob, covering everything from popular TV shows and reality competitions to impactful documentaries. Before joining TopMob, she worked at The Tab, where she focused on reality TV and celebrity news. She has a journalism degree.

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2026-04-15 14:34