The glitterball world is buzzing — and Strictly Come Dancing fans are convinced they’ve cracked the BBC’s biggest secret yet.
Following the emotional farewell of hosting legends Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman at the end of the 2025 series, speculation has gone into overdrive. And one name keeps rising to the top: Janette Manrara.
Could the beloved It Takes Two presenter really be poised to step into one of British TV’s most iconic roles?
The End of an Era — and a Tearful Goodbye
When Tess, 56, and Claudia, 53, announced they were stepping down after more than two decades at the helm, the news sent shockwaves through the nation. Tess, who had anchored the show since its launch in 2004, and Claudia, her perfectly chaotic counterpart since 2014, signed off in unforgettable style.
Their final episode was packed with emotion — standing ovations, heartfelt tributes (including from Queen Camilla), and a closing hug that left viewers misty-eyed and social media in meltdown. It was the end of a golden era — and the beginning of a high-stakes search for their successors.
Why Janette Manrara Is the Front-Runner
As BBC bosses quietly hunt for the next presenting duo ahead of the 2026 series, insiders say Janette Manrara is emerging as the dream candidate — and for good reason.
A former Strictly professional dancer from 2013 to 2021, Janette already knows the show inside out. Since swapping the dancefloor for the studio, she’s become the beating heart of Strictly: It Takes Two, seamlessly guiding viewers through backstage gossip, emotional exits, and glitter-filled drama — first alongside Rylan Clark, and now with Fleur East.
Her warmth, infectious energy, and deep-rooted love for the show have made her a fan favourite. Viewers trust her, relate to her, and feel she belongs — a priceless quality when it comes to replacing such a beloved duo.
BBC’s Secret Weapon: Promoting From Within
Crucially, Janette fits perfectly into the BBC’s long-standing strategy of preserving the show’s “Strictly DNA.” The corporation has a history of promoting familiar faces from within the family — just look at Zoe Ball, who transitioned from contestant to It Takes Two host and even guest-presented the main show.
Janette’s journey mirrors that path almost exactly. She knows the judges, the dancers, the producers — and, most importantly, the audience already adores her.
And she hasn’t exactly shut down the rumours. When asked on BBC Breakfast and Lorraine, Janette teased:
“I’m not saying I don’t want the job… it is the dream.”
Her husband, fellow Strictly star Aljaž Škorjanec, added with a grin: “Imagine that!”
Cue fan hysteria.
Chemistry Is Everything
Replacing Tess and Claudia isn’t just about star power — it’s about chemistry. Tess brought polished elegance; Claudia delivered offbeat humour and warmth. Finding two presenters who can recreate that magic is no easy task.
That’s where Janette shines. She already has proven on-screen chemistry with potential co-hosts like Fleur East — and even Rylan Clark has been floated as a possible wildcard pairing. The rapport is already there, and fans can easily imagine it translating to the Saturday night ballroom.
Meanwhile, other rumoured names — Bradley Walsh, Christine Lampard, Alan Carr — have either denied interest or faded from contention. One by one, the outsiders are falling away, leaving Janette looking stronger than ever.
Fans Are United — and the Timing Feels Right
Social media is alight with calls of #JanetteForStrictly, with fans declaring:
“She’s been part of the family forever — who better?”
“Janette is Strictly magic.”
After such an emotional goodbye to Tess and Claudia, viewers are craving continuity — someone who understands the soul of the show while bringing fresh energy to the role. Janette’s journey from pro dancer to presenter makes her uniquely placed to carry the torch.
With screen tests reportedly underway and the BBC keeping tight-lipped, all signs point to a decision that stays firmly within the Strictly family.
So… could 2026 see Janette Manrara gliding down those famous stairs as the new queen of the ballroom?
If so, it would be the ultimate Strictly fairytale — and fans would be dancing right along with her. ✨💃
