Strictly Come Dancing star Janette Manrara has made a triumphant return to BBC Morning Live, expressing her delight at being back on the programme.
The 41-year-old dance professional, who is a familiar face on the popular morning chat show, announced her temporary departure earlier in the year and shared the update with her fans on social media.
Janette, also known for co-hosting the Strictly Come Dancing spinoff It Takes Two alongside Fleur East, rejoined Gethin Jones and Michelle Ackerley on Morning Live to dish the latest on Strictly and lead the fitness segment inspired by the dance show.
On her comeback, Michelle enthusiastically introduced Janette: “Back in the building is Janette Manrara, bringing the Strictly sparkle to the studio.”
To which Janette joyfully responded: “You’re welcome everybody. I’m very happy to be back. It’s been a minute.,” reports Wales Online.
The conversation quickly shifted to the much-anticipated Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special set to broadcast on Christmas day. Michelle added: “We’ve got to speak about the Strictly special, haven’t I? The line-up has been announced, and it’s a good bunch.”
Janette couldn’t hide her excitement, saying: “It’s a really good line-up for the Strictly Christmas special and clearly I’m excited already because I came in the red tights. But look at them; they have no idea what they have signed up for, and they have no idea what is coming.”
The television personality noted: “Although Tayce seems quite competitive doesn’t she, so we will see.” Gethin chimed in: “It’s a proper fast track.”
Janette confessed: “I always say to them when they do the Christmas special, it’s a little tasker of what is to come if you do the real show someday.”
Strictly’s Christmas episode is a festive favourite for many, and every year, just weeks after the celebrity has lifted the Glitterball trophy in the main series, the BBC ballroom is transformed into a winter wonderland.
In just a few months, viewers will see Josh Widdicombe, Tayce, Vogue Williams, Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Tamzin Outhwaite, and Billy Monger compete for the 2024 crown however, there is no public vote at home, and the show is pre-recorded so it will be up to the judges on which star will walk away with the big win.
Often, stars on the festive series go on to star in the main series of the show. This year’s contestant, Jamie Borthwick, previously won the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special with professional dancer Nancy Xu, while JB Gill won in 2012.
BBC Morning Live airs weekdays from 9.30am on BBC One and iPlayer