Former Strictly Come Dancing pro Janette Manrara has reunited with her ex co-star while on stage with Chicago after making a tearful admission about her husband and daughter
Janette Manrara has praised her former Strictly Come Dancing star as she returns to the stage. The professional dancer, 41, joined the cast of the musical Chicago for its latest touring production at the start of the month, with her involvement having been announced earlier this year.
She admitted that she was feeling “scared” over the prospect of being away from her daughter Lyra, one, who she shares with her husband and fellow dancer Aljaž Škorjanec, 35. However, the It Takes Two host has been supported by her Strictly stars as she shimmies on the dancefloor away from her family.
During the latest production, Janette was reunited with Kevin Clifton, who left the BBC dance competition in 2020. They posed together backstage in their Chicago costumes as Janette gushed: “15 years of friendship w/ this one! And always one of THE BEST in the business at whatever he does!
“Thanks for being the “Billy” to my “Roxie”! It was an absolute privilege to share the stage with you Kevis! Love you to bits! Let’s say “until the next one” for now! (Kevis and Janis reunite once again!! @chicagoonstage).”
Fans loved to see the pair work together again as one said: “I love this! My two favourite strictly pros! X.” Another added: “The best on business.” Someone else commented: “It’s nice to see you two back together.” A fourth declared: “LOVE YOU BOTH!”
The show kicked off in Ireland at the start of the month for shows in Dublin before they headed to Northern Ireland for dates in Belfast. Janette shared that she wouldn’t see Aljaž or Lyra whilst she’s away for those two weeks. She teased that they will instead spend some time with Aljaž’s family in Slovenia.
It Takes Two host Janette opened up about being apart as she was seen wiping tears away from her eyes in the footage after having said goodbye to her husband their daughter. The dancer shared a message for other working parents in the video.
Teary-eyed Janette said: “Hi gang. Just said my goodbyes to Aljaž and Lyra, and I won’t see them for two weeks now but sharing is good because it makes us all feel better. And I miss them a lot. It’s the longest I’ll be away from Lyra so just starting to count down to the day I see her again.”
She continued in the video: “But in the mean time, I’m gonna stay strong and know that mommy is making her proud. And she is gonna have the best time with her cousins and her nan in Slovenia. Anyways, to all the parents that have to say goodbye to their kids for work or for whatever reason, it’s always tough but we’ve got this! We’ve got it.”
Alongside the footage, Janette further issued a message for other parents. She wrote to her followers in the post: “It always makes me feel better to share. Hope this also helps other working parents out there. It’s hard but we got this.”
Last month, she spoke about being away from Lyra on the tour whilst on the One Show. Host Roman Kemp asked: “You and Aljaž just finished the Strictly tour, so is he and your daughter Lyra are then gonna be coming down? Are they gonna be on the road as well?”
Janette said: “Yeah. I think that’s what kind of not worries me but scares me a little bit y’know it’s a long contract and to be away from her. So Aljaž is gonna come to as many venues and cities as he possibly can, Blackpool being one them. We’re gonna go back to Blackpool with the show.”
She then added: “I’ve been there only with Strictly so it’ll be interesting to go now with Chicago. But yeah they’re gonna come with me as much as possible and I am flying home on days off to just cuddle with her as much as I can.”
After performing in Dublin and Belfast, Janette will return to England when the touring production of Chicago visits Bournemouth. The cast and crew will be at the Pavilion Theatre in the town from March 31 to April, before heading to a host of other locations.
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