Strictly Come Dancing's Janette Manrara admits new career away from BBC show 'scares me'

Janette Manrara has lifted the lid on her new West End role (Image: BBC)

Strictly Come Dancing's Janette Manrara has admitted she's feeling "scared" over the prospect of leaving her new baby girl to return to work.

The much-adored It Takes Two host welcomed her daughter with fellow dancer and husband Aljaz Skorjanec in July 2023. Now, stepping away from her motherly duties, Janette has thrown herself into her TV career and is also prepping for her stage debut in the UK tour of Chicago.

Taking on the iconic role of Roxie Hart, Janette will be captivating audiences in more than twenty theatres throughout the UK and Ireland, following in the footsteps of Coronation Street star Faye Brookes, reports the Mirror.

During a candid chat on The One Show with hosts Roman Kemp and Alex Jones on Firday (February 21), the conversation quickly turned to Janette's thoughts on being separated from her little one during the tour.

Inquiring about her family plans whilst on the road, Roman asked: "You and Aljaz just finished the Strictly tour so is he and your daughter Lyra going to be coming down?"

The ballroom dancers admitted she's "scared" to leave her family (Image: Janette Manrara/Instagram)

To which Janette revealed: "That's what kind of not worries me but scares me a little bit because it's a long contract and to be away from her. Aljaz is going to come to as many venues and cities as he possibly can, Blackpool being one them.

"We're going to go back to Blackpool and I've been there only with Strictly so it'll be interesting to go now with Chicago but yeah they're going to come with me as much as possible and I'm flying home on days off just to cuddle with me as much as I can."

Alex asked: "It's the balance isn't it? " to which Janette agreed as she added: "Yeah." The couple announced their daughter Lyra Rose's arrival in a touching social media post graced by a black and white snapshot showcasing the newly expanded family together for the first time.

It didn't take long before the couple's famous friends flooded to the comments to congratulate the happy couple. Pussycats Doll star Ashley Roberts exclaimed: "Lyra Rose is here!!! " following up with another heartfelt message: "So beautiful!!! Love you!!!".

Meanwhile, ex-Strictly star James Jordan sent his best wishes to the couple: "So happy for you both. Sending love from the Jordans." Gemma Atkinson chimed in with: "Just wonderful", whilst Gorka Marquez offered his praises, remarking: "So gorgeous."

Cuban-American Janette, 41, recently spoke The Express about her new role, admitting: "Chicago was too much of an incredible opportunity. It’s always been my dream to play Roxie.

"You can’t have a happy, healthy child if you don’t have happy, healthy parents first. I think Lyra’s growing up seeing her mum and dad doing what they love for a living. I think that’s a healthy thing for her.”