BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Janette Manrara overwhelmed with support after 'tough realisation'

Janette Manrara has been overwhelmed with support following her emotional admission regarding a 'tough realisation' about the coming weeks and months. The much-loved presenter and dancer are anticipating significant changes as she prepares to step into a major new role, which she announced earlier this month.

Janette is set to make her stage debut in the lead role of Roxie Hart in the UK tour of Chicago, an announcement that has created considerable excitement amongst her fans. She will be joining the cast in March, with performances scheduled at the Lowry in Salford from Monday 25 to Saturday August 30, 2025.

Speaking about playing Roxie Hart, Janette expressed immense joy, stating, "This is a dream come true!" Further elaborating on her enthusiasm, she said, "To have my musical theatre debut be playing the iconic Roxie Hart is so exciting. She is a beautifully complex character, and I cannot wait to bring my 'Roxie' to the stage."

She also expressed eagerness to work with the talented cast and team of one of the most beloved musicals. Adding to her statement, Janette conveyed her anticipation for performing live: "I truly look forward to working with the incredible cast and the whole team of one of the best musicals of all time. Looking forward to seeing everyone that comes to the show and giving them a real 'razzle dazzle' of a show!", reports the Manchester Evening News.

Yet, as the premiere of her performance draws nearer, Janette is confronting the reality of how her new commitment will impact her role in caring for Lyra Rose, her daughter with husband Aljaz Skorjanec.

Janette Manrara took to Instagram, sharing her excitement and underlying emotions as she gears up for her last week of rehearsals with 'Chicago on Stage'. She posted a photo of herself joyfully holding the script and an emotional video embracing her daughter.

"Heading into my last week of @chicagoonstage rehearsals and meeting the full cast today. Excitement is an understatement! But it doesn't come w/o a bit of tough realisation." she penned.

She recounted a conversation that resonated with her, "Yesterday I spoke w/ a man who said he and his wife felt so happy when I shared the tough times as well as the fun times because parenting really is a roller coaster. And I immediately felt the urge to share what I had filmed yesterday while Lyra was falling asleep on me.... I broke down into tears thinking how few the times will be this summer that I will get to do that again w/ her."

The encounter reminded her of the ups and downs working parents face, "But speaking to him (and his wife over FaceTime) reminded me that being a working parent is tough, and the guilt always kicks in. That's why sharing our stories creates support that is crucial and reminds us we are not alone. This is to ALL OF US that are working hard to provide a wonderful life for our children."

She concluded with a personal reflection on the lessons they're imparting on their daughter, "And I know that specifically in mine and @aljazskorjanec case, Lyra has a mom and dad who both do what they love and support each other in doing so, a priceless lesson for life and whatever her future may hold for her. We got this team. You're all doing amazing."

She continued: "P.S. Good luck to Anna whom I met on FaceTime yesterday and has an 11month old little girl, but is about to go back to work as a primary school teacher. I know you're nervous, but you'll be amazing and all will be well! P.S.S. I was also wearing my #StrongGirlsClub jumper that @saradaviescc got me. Another little reminder that we are strong and we got this."

And the outpouring of support was immediate. Former Coronation Street actress Catherine Tyldesley commented: "You've got this my love. She will be SO proud of you. And the time you do have together will be so super precious. We raise warrior queens. You're the best mummy - and you also still Jeanette- the shiniest of stars. You need time to glow and shine. It is through our dreams our souls truly shine! ! ! And how wonderful that your family see that. Shine for you and for her."

Ex-Love Island contestant Chyna Mills responded: "Lyra will forever be proud. You've got this mama." Strictly's own Nadiya Bychkova offered: "You've got this. Love you lots." Nancy Xu chimed in with: "You got this J! ! ! ! !".