Strictly Come Dancing may be heading for its boldest reinvention yet — and fans are convinced the answer has been hiding in plain sight all along.
Following the emotional farewell of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman at the end of the 2025 series, speculation over who could possibly replace the show’s most iconic hosting duo has reached fever pitch. And one name is rising above all others: Janette Manrara.
The End of an Era — and a Nation in Tears
When Tess, 56, and Claudia, 53, announced they were stepping down after more than two decades between them, the ballroom world stood still. Tess, who has anchored Strictly since its very first spin in 2004, and Claudia, her perfectly chaotic partner-in-crime since 2014, bowed out in a finale drenched in emotion.
Standing ovations. Celebrity tributes. Even a message from Queen Camilla. Their final embrace became one of the most talked-about TV moments of the year — and left one enormous question hanging in the glitter-filled air:
Who on earth could follow that?
The Insider Favourite Fans Can’t Ignore
According to whispers from inside the BBC, bosses are leaning heavily toward an “internal promotion” — someone who understands the DNA of Strictly inside out.
Enter Janette Manrara.
The former professional dancer, who lit up the dancefloor from 2013 to 2021, has already completed what many see as the perfect Strictly apprenticeship. Since retiring from competitive dancing, Janette has become the warm, beating heart of Strictly: It Takes Two, first alongside Rylan Clark and now Fleur East.
Midweek after midweek, she’s proven she can do it all: backstage gossip, emotional interviews, live TV chaos — all delivered with infectious warmth and genuine love for the show.
Fans don’t just like her.
They trust her.
Why Janette Feels Like the Natural Successor
BBC executives are famously protective of Strictly’s identity — and history shows they prefer to keep things in the family. Zoe Ball famously made the journey from contestant to It Takes Two host and beyond. Janette’s path mirrors that trajectory almost perfectly.
She knows the judges.
She knows the dancers.
She knows the pressure of live Saturday nights.
Most importantly?
The audience already sees her as one of their own.
When quizzed about the rumours on BBC Breakfast and Lorraine, Janette didn’t deny the possibility. Instead, she smiled and teased:
“I’m not saying I don’t want the job… it is the dream.”
Her husband, former Strictly pro Aljaž Škorjanec, summed it up with a grin:
“Imagine that.”
The internet promptly did.
Chemistry Is Everything — And Janette Has It
Replacing Tess and Claudia isn’t about finding two famous faces. It’s about recreating chemistry — that elusive balance of polish, humour, warmth, and trust.
Insiders believe Janette could shine alongside a co-host like Fleur East, whose star power and live-TV experience already sparkle on It Takes Two. Others suggest a reunion with Rylan Clark could deliver joyful chaos in the best possible way.
Either way, Janette’s ability to connect — with contestants, professionals, and viewers at home — makes her the safest yet most exciting choice.
Outsiders Falling Away
Plenty of big names have been floated: Bradley Walsh, Zoe Ball, Christine Lampard, Alan Carr. But one by one, they’ve either ruled themselves out or cooled the speculation.
Meanwhile, #JanetteForStrictly has been trending across social media, with fans pleading:
“She IS Strictly.”
“Who better to carry the torch?”
“This just makes sense.”
The Fairytale Promotion?
As BBC screen tests reportedly continue behind closed doors, momentum is firmly behind Janette Manrara. From dancing under the lights to guiding the next generation backstage, her connection to the show runs deep.
If she does step onto those famous stairs in 2026, it wouldn’t just be a career move — it would be a full-circle moment worthy of the Strictly storybook.
The glitterball may change hands every year — but the soul of Strictly must endure.
And for many fans, Janette Manrara feels like the one ready to keep the nation dancing. 💃✨
