Strictly’s Janette Manrara issues emotional ‘two weeks’ announcement after health blow

Janette Manrara (Image: Janette Manrara Instagram)

Strictly Come Dancing star Janette Manrara has been inundated with praise and support after revealing there are just two weeks remaining to see her on stage. Whilst she’s clearly not abandoning performing altogether, the dancer and presenter is anticipated to return to co-presenting duties on Strictly Come Dancing spin-off It Takes Two, coinciding with her touring musical Chicago role drawing to a close. It was back in March that Janette left behind her daughter Lyra and made her theatrical debut in the production’s legendary role of Roxie Hart.

She subsequently performed the character in theatres across the nation before taking time off to appear in her own production alongside husband Aljaz Skorjanec. She later resumed the Roxie role in June, reports the Manchester Evening News. However, during her recent Blackpool engagement with the production, Janette experienced illness that compelled her to miss several performances.

Janette Manrara has been performing in the iconic musical Chicago (Image: Janette Manrara Instagram)

She managed to return to the stage but found herself absent from the show once more, this time for multiple days, following a distressing dental crisis.

Janette has nevertheless been spotted back on stage, and in a weekend update, the mother-of-one confirmed there are merely a couple of weeks remaining to witness her in performance.

Accompanying a photograph of herself dressed in Roxie’s signature black outfit complete with fishnet tights, Janette wrote: “Happy Double Show Day Saturday w/ @chicagoonstage.

“Only 2 weeks left after tonight. Going to miss playing this very complex but wondrous little lady. “Roxie” will forever have a piece of my heart.”

And supporters were swift to react. @lisa_5toez said: “Saw you in hull, I was blown away how exceptionally talented and vocally also you are… as I’ve only ever seen you on strictly. you need to do more West End AND Broadway…. Your born for this job.”

@ilovejanettex commented: “Roxie is a true star. Can’t believe there is so little time left with her ! So excited to spend next watching you shine!” @hymus2014 wrote: “You play an amazing Roxie. Really enjoyed the show.”

@sue1956rogers replied: “Fantastic show on wednesday, loved seeing you as Roxie. Hope you do more musical theatre.”

@sarahtubb28 added: “We saw you in Woking, you and the show were amazing!”.