‘Dance is one of the best forms of therapy’

Janette Manrara is loving this year’s Strictly. The It Takes Two host has been moved by the dances on the show, with two contestants in particular striking a chord with her – comedian Jayde Adams, who was inspired by her late sister, Jenna, who died from a brain tumour, and former footballer Tony Adams, who suffered a breakdown.

- NICOLA FAHEY

“The emotions have been so high this year,” says the 38-yearold, who’s married to fellow pro dancer, Aljaž Škorjanec, 32. “I was in tears for Jayde and for Tony – they’ve gone through so much, and to come out and be that brave… As the conversation about mental health becomes the norm, contestants aren’t afraid to talk about their emotions the way they used to be. Dancing is one of the best ways to cope with fear or sadness. To lose yourself in music is one of the best forms of therapy.”

Janette quit Strictly in 2021, after eight years, to take on her new presenting role alongside her ‘TV hubby’ Rylan Clark. Her real-life husband Aljaž left the show nine months after she did, admitting he missed having her there.

Here, Janette gives us the lowdown on how the stars are feeling behind the scenes, shares her tips on how to make it through the series and reveals what it’s like to be in a Strictly dance-off.

Hi, Janette. Tell us a secret from Halloween week!