The Strictly ballroom is buzzing — and fans are convinced a major changing of the guard is underway.
After the emotional farewell of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman at the end of the 2025 series, one name has surged to the top of the rumour mill: Janette Manrara. The much-loved It Takes Two host is now widely tipped as the surprise favourite to step into one of the most iconic presenting roles on British television.
An Emotional Goodbye That Changed Everything
When Tess, 56, and Claudia, 53, confirmed they were stepping down after more than two decades, the announcement sent shockwaves through the Strictly community. Tess, the show’s steady anchor since its launch in 2004, and Claudia, her brilliantly chaotic partner since 2014, bowed out in unforgettable style.
Their final episode delivered standing ovations, emotional tributes — including messages from Queen Camilla — and a closing hug so heartfelt it instantly went viral. It marked the end of a golden era, and left fans asking one big question: who could possibly replace them?
Why Janette Is the Name on Everyone’s Lips
As BBC executives quietly search for a new presenting duo for the 2026 series, insiders suggest Janette Manrara ticks every box on the corporation’s closely guarded casting checklist.
A former Strictly professional dancer from 2013 to 2021, Janette already knows the show inside out. Since leaving the dancefloor, she has flourished as host of Strictly: It Takes Two — the spin-off many consider the heart of the franchise — first alongside Rylan Clark and now with Fleur East.
Week after week, she’s won over viewers with her warmth, humour, and infectious enthusiasm, effortlessly balancing backstage gossip with heartfelt moments. Fans see her as one of their own — knowledgeable, passionate, and completely at home in the Strictly world.
BBC’s Favourite Strategy: Promote From Within
Crucially, Janette fits the BBC’s long-standing preference for “internal promotion” — a way of preserving the show’s much-loved Strictly DNA. Zoe Ball famously followed a similar path, moving from contestant to It Takes Two host and eventually guest-presenting the main show.
Janette’s journey mirrors that evolution perfectly. She already has the trust of producers, judges, dancers — and, most importantly, the audience.
And she hasn’t exactly played down the rumours. Asked directly 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 laugh: “Imagine that!”
Fans took that as all the encouragement they needed.
Chemistry Matters — and Janette Has It
BBC bosses have made one thing clear: replacing Tess and Claudia isn’t about finding a single big name, but recreating a magical double act. Tess brought elegance and authority; Claudia delivered humour, warmth, and unpredictability. That balance is hard to replicate.
That’s why Janette makes sense. She already has proven chemistry with potential co-hosts like Fleur East — and even Rylan Clark has been floated as a wildcard option. The rapport is already there on It Takes Two — and fans can easily imagine it lighting up Saturday nights.
Meanwhile, other rumoured names — Bradley Walsh, Christine Lampard, Alan Carr, and even Zoe Ball — have either denied interest or faded from contention. One by one, the outside options are falling away, leaving Janette looking stronger by the day.
Fans Rally Behind Their Favourite
Social media is ablaze with #JanetteForStrictly, with fans insisting she’s the perfect choice.
“She’s been part of the family forever — who else could do it?”
“Janette’s energy is Strictly — she’d be flawless.”
After such an emotional goodbye, viewers are craving continuity — someone who understands the soul of the show while keeping it fresh. Janette’s journey, from professional dancer to presenter, gives her a rare authenticity that’s hard to beat.
A New Queen of the Ballroom?
With screen tests reportedly underway and the BBC keeping tight-lipped, many believe the final decision will stay firmly within the Strictly family.
Could 2026 see Janette Manrara gliding down those famous stairs as the new queen of the ballroom?
If so, it would be the ultimate fairytale promotion — and one that would have fans dancing long after the music stops. The glitterball may crown new champions each year, but Strictly Come Dancing must go on… and Janette could be the one to keep us all dancing. ✨💃
