As a seasoned cinephile who has witnessed the dance of the stars under the glitterball since its inception, I must say that this 20th anniversary year of Strictly Come Dancing is nothing short of extraordinary. The camaraderie among the celebrities and their infectious humor have breathed new life into the series, even rubbing off on the judges. It’s a grand celebration indeed!
As Strictly Come Dancing 2024 nears its finale, ex-Strictly dancer Janette Manrara and former finalist Fleur East, hosts of the BBC2 spin-off It Takes Two, look back on the series and their return to the dance floor as new parents.
We’re into the final weeks of Strictly — how would you sum up this series?
This year, it seems everyone is relaxing more, including celebrities who are proving quite amusing. This humor is definitely influencing the judges as well.
Fleur: Because it’s the 20th anniversary year, it feels like a big celebration.
Isn’t it challenging not to have favorites, given the circumstances, especially for someone like you, Janette, with your husband Aljaž returning to his professional career again?
In simpler terms, Janette is saying that it’s the celebrities who are participating in the competition, not the professionals like Aljaž. She wishes for Aljaž to perform well because she’s delighted to see him again. The floor where Aljaž dances is a place she feels he truly belongs; her feelings have even led her to tears.
Fleur: It’s impossible to pick favorites since outcomes are so uncertain. At the beginning, it’s hard to predict who might emerge victorious. Suddenly, someone could astonish us all.
Chris McCausland, a well-known figure, is the initial blind contestant on “Strictly”. Can anyone participate in this program, or are there restrictions regarding competitors?
Janette: Anyone finds rhythm in music. Chris captivates me, and Dianne does an outstanding job leading him; it brings joy to my heart. Strictly offers a vast stage, providing many viewers at home with a sense of recognition and visibility.
Fleur: Yeah, we have an open door for anybody!
You have co-hosted It Takes Two for two series now — is it a dream job?
Fleur: We’re similar to mischievous children who need to be kept apart due to our constant laughter. It’s fortunate that we offer distinct days instead.
Janette and I are both new mothers facing similar challenges. I’m having trouble with my daughter Lyra sleeping, and it seems that Fleur is dealing with the same issue regarding her daughter Nova. Recently, they had their first meeting, which was adorable!
How challenging is it to go back to work with young babies?
Janette: When Lyra was just three months old, I was busy with It Takes Two and touring across the UK with Aljaž. So, Lyra spent her time traveling on trains and staying in hotels. Surprisingly, she handled it all really well. There’s a baby room available on Strictly Come Dancing if we ever need it, but on the days I’m filming, Lyra attends nursery instead.
During our initial performance, Nova took a rest in the designated baby room for Strictly. It’s comforting to have such an option available, allowing them to be with us.
You faced some negative comments for returning to work — was that hard to deal with?
Reflecting on my visit to Morning Live with my six-week-old baby Lyra, I’ve encountered comments suggesting I wasn’t making an ideal impression. Frankly, it puzzles me how quickly people pass judgment on one another.
Fleur: No matter what you choose, it seems like there’s criticism. If you decide to go to work, she implies that you’re neglecting your children. But if you stay home, she suggests that you’re not contributing enough as a mother.
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2024-12-02 04:35