Janette Manrara has become one of the most beloved faces on British television. She first won fans as a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing. She now co-hosts Strictly: It Takes Two. In 2026, searches for “Janette Manrara” remain high. Viewers want to know about her career, marriage and life off-screen.
Manrara brings warmth, energy and expertise to everything she does. Her journey from Miami to London is inspiring. Therefore, understanding her story is essential for any Strictly fan.
Meanwhile, public interest in Strictly stars mirrors attention given to other entertainment figures. Dancers like Jowita Przystał and Gorka Márquez also attract loyal followings.
Who Is Janette Manrara?
Janette Manrara is a Cuban-American dancer, choreographer and television presenter. She was born in Miami, Florida on 16 November 1983. Her parents emigrated from Cuba, grew up dancing from a very young age.
She studied at New World School of the Arts in Miami, also attended Florida International University and then pursued a professional dance career. She performed in music videos and live shows.
In 2013, she joined Strictly Come Dancing as a professional. She remained on the show for eight series. She partnered with celebrities like Jake Wood and Aston Merrygold.
Strictly Come Dancing Career
Janette joined Strictly for its eleventh series in 2013. Her first celebrity partner was Julien Macdonald. The pair reached week five before elimination.
Her best result came in 2014. She partnered with EastEnders actor Jake Wood. They reached the semi-finals. They finished in fourth place.
In 2016, she danced with pop star Aston Merrygold. Many viewers expected them to win. However, they left the competition early. Their elimination caused controversy among fans.
Despite never winning the Glitterball Trophy, Janette remained a fan favourite. Her high-energy routines and positive attitude won hearts.
For more on Strictly professionals, read about Jowita Przystał’s career and Gorka Márquez’s journey.
Strictly: It Takes Two and Presenting Career
Janette left Strictly as a professional dancer in 2021. She did not leave the Strictly family, though. Instead, she became the new host of Strictly: It Takes Two and joined Rylan Clark-Neal on the spin-off show.
She later became the sole host after Rylan’s departure. She now leads the show alongside various guest co-hosts. Her presenting style is warm and knowledgeable.
Fans appreciate her insider perspective. She understands the dancers’ pressures. She also knows the technical details of each routine. This expertise makes her the perfect host.
She has also presented other shows. These include Morning Live and The One Show. She continues to expand her broadcasting career.
Marriage to Aljaž Škorjanec
Janette married fellow Strictly professional Aljaž Škorjanec in 2017. The couple met on the Strictly tour. Their romance blossomed quickly. Aljaž proposed in 2016 during a trip to New York.
They married at Marylebone Town Hall in London. The ceremony was small and intimate. Strictly stars attended the celebration. The couple then had a larger reception in Slovenia, Aljaž’s home country.
Fans love their relationship. They share glimpses of their life on social media. Their chemistry is obvious both on and off the dance floor.
In 2023, the couple welcomed their first child. Their daughter Lyra was born in July. Janette announced the news on Instagram. Fans flooded the post with congratulations.
Aljaž left Strictly in 2022. He now focuses on fatherhood and other dance projects. The couple continues to inspire fans with their partnership.
This Strictly love story mirrors other successful relationships. Shirley Ballas’s relationship and Vogue Williams’s marriage also attract public interest.
Motherhood and Family Life in 2026
Janette has embraced motherhood with joy, often shares photos of baby Lyra on Instagram. She describes being a mother as her “greatest achievement”.
and balances work and parenting carefully. It Takes Takes Two films during Strictly season. This runs from September to December. She manages her schedule to spend time with Lyra.
Aljaž is a hands-on father. The couple shares parenting duties equally. They have spoken about the challenges of new parenthood. They also celebrate its many joys.
The family splits time between London and Slovenia. They visit Aljaž’s family regularly. Janette’s family visits from Miami when possible.
Dance Background and Early Career
Before Strictly, Janette had an impressive dance career, trained in ballet, jazz, contemporary and Latin. She also learned ballroom and salsa.
She performed as a backing dancer for major artists. These included Gloria Estefan and Enrique Iglesias. And also appeared in the film Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights.
and competed on So You Think You Can Dance in the US. She reached the top 20. This exposure helped launch her television career.
She then moved to the UK. She joined the Burn the Floor dance company. This led to her Strictly audition and eventual casting.
Net Worth in 2026
As of 2026, Janette Manrara’s estimated net worth is between £1.5 million and £2.5 million. She earns from her presenting role on It Takes Two. She also earns from dance tours and appearances.
Aljaž and Janette have toured together. Their show “Remembering the Oscars” sold well. These tours add significantly to their income.
She also earns from brand endorsements and social media. She partners with family-friendly and lifestyle brands. Her positive image makes her a sought-after ambassador.
For comparison, other Strictly stars’ financial profiles attract similar interest. Adrian Newey net worth and Josie Gibson’s earnings are also popular searches.
Why Janette Manrara Is Trending in 2026
Janette Manrara continues to trend for several reasons. Strictly: It Takes Two airs regularly during autumn. Millions of viewers see her each week. Her warm presenting style keeps audiences engaged.
Her motherhood journey also attracts interest. Fans love seeing baby Lyra grow up. Janette shares updates on social media. These posts often go viral.
Her relationship with Aljaž remains a fan favourite. The couple represents a strong, loving partnership. Viewers admire their commitment to each other and their daughter.
Furthermore, any news about Strictly brings Janette’s name into searches. Cast changes, controversies and new series all drive interest.
This sustained interest is similar to that enjoyed by other Strictly stars. Jowita Przystał and Gorka Márquez also attract loyal followings.
What’s Next for Janette Manrara?
Looking ahead, Janette will continue hosting It Takes Two. The show remains popular with Strictly fans. And may also take on other presenting roles.
She has expressed interest in producing dance content, may develop her own show or tour. She also wants to write children’s books about dance.
Family remains her priority. She and Aljaž plan to have more children. They also want to spend time in Slovenia and Miami.
Whatever she does, fans will continue to support her.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Janette Manrara?
A Cuban-American dancer and TV presenter, best known for Strictly Come Dancing and It Takes Two.
How old is Janette Manrara?
Born 16 November 1983, she is 42 years old as of 2026.
Who is Janette Manrara married to?
Fellow Strictly professional Aljaž Škorjanec. They married in 2017.
Does Janette Manrara have a child?
Yes, daughter Lyra was born in July 2023.
What is Janette Manrara’s net worth?
Estimated between £1.5 million and £2.5 million as of 2026.
Why did Janette leave Strictly as a dancer?
She left in 2021 to become the host of Strictly: It Takes Two.
Is Janette Manrara still on It Takes Two?
Yes, she remains the main host of the Strictly spin-off show.
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