Shakeup at Strictly: Janette Manrara Exits It Takes Two, New Hosts Announced for 2026 Series
Janette Manrara has announced that she will no longer host the companion show It Takes Two for Strictly Come Dancing. She mentioned that the show has undergone significant changes and that she will no longer be a part of either It Takes Two or the main show. However, she will still be involved in other projects, though she did not specify what those would be. This change allows her to explore new opportunities that she has always wanted to pursue. It marks a new chapter for her after being part of Strictly for the past 14 years.
It Takes Two, the show that provides updates from rehearsals with the contestants, was co-hosted by Manrara and former contestant Fleur East. It is unclear if East will also be leaving the show. Reports earlier this year suggested that Manrara and East were dropped as hosts to give the show a fresh start with a new look. Manrara initially joined It Takes Two in 2021, replacing Zoe Ball, and later co-hosted with East after Rylan left the show in 2023.
The upcoming 2026 series of Strictly Come Dancing will see significant changes, including the departure of long-time hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and dancer Johannes Radebe have been announced as their replacements. Additionally, several professional dancers, including Nadiya Bychkova, Karen Hauer, Michelle Tisakkis, and Luba Mushtuk, have been axed from the competition. Gorka Marquez has also left the show to become a judge on the Spanish version.
Recently, Luba Mushtuk concluded her 10-year journey with Strictly Come Dancing during the annual tour. She expressed her emotions about leaving the show, highlighting that while one dance may end, there are always new dances, steps, and stories waiting to be discovered and shared. The changes in the show's lineup indicate a new era for Strictly Come Dancing, with fresh faces and talents set to take the stage in the upcoming series.