Janette Manrara has spent the last couple of months watching her husband, Aljaž Škorjanec, compete in this series of Strictly Come Dancing alongside partner Tasha Ghouri. And Janette has not only been blown away by their performances, but she's also a big fan of Tasha's personality.
Revealing that she would love her daughter, Lyra, who she and Aljaz welcomed in July last year, to turn out like former Love Island star Tasha, Janette told OK!: "Yes, I said to her – because I really meant it – that if Lyra grows up to be like Tasha, who’s so humble and kind and gracious, I’ll be the happiest mum in the world.
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Janette Manrara/Instagram)Earlier in the dancing competition, Tasha and Aljaz - who are hoping to bag this year's coveted Glitterball trophy - dedicated their American Smooth dance to baby Lyra, something which Janette admits left her emotional. "I was in tears! I’ve honestly loved watching Aljaž back on the show. When we first met we danced with other partners, so I fell in love with him watching him dance. And now to be his wife and have a little girl watching her daddy dancing on telly is such a beautiful thing for us as a family."
Janette and Aljaz met and got together three years before joining the programme, but credit bagging the job for helping their relationship. "We always say that with Strictly Come Dancing, there's no curse for us, it's a Strictly blessing because it really saved our relationship," Janette explained to Best magazine earlier this year. She went on to say: "Strictly came along and offered us a spot as professional dancers and that was the biggest blessing of our whole relationship. The show was a massive part of us staying together and getting married."
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Guy Levy/BBC/PA)Aside from Strictly, Janette and Aljaz are also preparing for Christmas with their little one. And this year, Janette is working with Action For Children's Secret Santa campaign.
Talking to OK!, she said of the partnership: "I feel like I’ve changed so much after becoming a mother to Lyra [born in July 2023], but I’ve always wanted to help different charities and support children. Action For Children do so much and it’s not just one thing that they tackle. They provide food and clothing, of course, but they also provide things like mental health services and financial support. Every child needs different kinds of support and they do it in so many different ways."
Janette attended the Action For Children Secret Santa’s Giving Grotto. To become a Secret Santa and help support vulnerable children, donate at iamsanta.org.uk
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