JANETTE MANRARA ANNOUCNED AS NEW PRESENTER OF STRICTLY: IT TAKES TWO

Janette Manrara has been confirmed as the new host on Strictly: It Takes Two, joining Rylan Clark-Neal on BBC Two’s week-night sister show to Strictly Come Dancing.

Janette replaces Zoe Ball, who stood down as presenter in May after a decade on the programme, and she shared the news with The One Show viewers this evening.

Janette says: “It’s a dream come true to become part of the It Takes Two team! Although it’s impossible to fill in the shoes of a legend like Zoe Ball, I hope to make her and all of the Strictly fans proud. I will miss dancing on that iconic dance floor weekly, but forever grateful to continue being a part of the Strictly Come Dancing family!”

Eve Winstanley, Executive Producer, It Takes Two, says: “We are so excited that Janette will be Cha Cha Cha-ing her way into the It Takes Two family. Her love and passion for all things dance will bring something new and fresh to the show.”

Alex McLeod, Commissioning Editor for BBC Daytime and Early Peak, says: "We know that our viewers are avid fans of Strictly and cannot get enough expert advice, backstage gossip and dancing tips and tricks. I can't think of anyone better than Janette to do this. I am so excited that she is joining our It Takes Two family.”

The new role means that Janette will be leaving Strictly. New professional dancers for 2021 will be announced in due course.