Janette Manrara is leaving Strictly Come Dancing behind for the stage, with the professional dancer announcing her “new chapter” after being axed from It Takes Two. The Florida-born dancer, 42, was a member of the Strictly cast from 2013 until 2021 before becoming the co-presenter on its companion show, It Takes Two, alongside ex-contestant Fleur East. Manrara announced in June that she had been dropped from the show ahead of its 2026 series.
Now, she’s set to flex her acting muscles later this year in new play Affluenza at London’s Riverside Studios, alongside Stranger Things star Noah Schnapp, Bridgerton’s Rupert Young, EastEnders actor Juliet Cowan, and Madam Secretary’s Wallis Currie-Wood. Announcing the news on Instagram, she wrote: “I can finally say that I will be joining the cast of the world premiere of AFFLUENZA at Riverside Studios in London. Now, I get to tell one in a whole new way… and this one is a conversation starter.
Excited for what’s to come.” Manrara’s former Strictly colleagues flooded the comment section with congratulatory messages, with Carlos Gu writing: “This is amazing!!! X,” while Katya Jones commented: “So proud! can’t wait.” The dancer’s husband Aljaz Skorjanec, who will be dancing on Strictly once again this year, wrote: “Proud doesn’t describe it! well done Bučka.” Although Manrara starred as Roxie Hart in the hit musical Chicago last year, Affluenza will be her first solely dramatic role. Written and directed by theatre producer Andy Sandberg – not to be confused with the American actor Andy Samberg – the play looks at the consequences when a “teen’s drunken car ride ends in devastation”.
The play is set against the backdrop of New York’s wealthy seaside village, the Hamptons. Affluenza will be on at Riverside Studios from 26 September until 21 November, premiering around the same time as Strictly Come Dancing’s forthcoming series. New hosts Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe are taking the reins from Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly following the duo’s departure last year, while It Takes Two will be fronted by ex-contestant and Ted Lasso star Ellie Taylor.
Announcing the news last week, Taylor said that she’s “so thrilled to be back in the Strictly world”, describing the job as a “dream come true”. Taylor also noted that this time around, they will be aiming for “slightly more candid conversation” and “involvement from the viewers at home”. One big, fat celebration of the wonderful world of Strictly.” Strictly Come Dancing begins on Saturday 19 September on BBC One.
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