Former Strictly pro Janette Manrara has shared an emotional family update. The dancer is currently touring as part of the cast of the hit musical Chicago.
Janette has been open about her close family bond with husband Aljaž Škorjanec and daughter Lyra. Only a matter of weeks ago, the dancer revealed she was feeling “scared” over the prospect of being away from her child.
The TV presenter is the host of BBC’s Strictly spin off show ‘It Takes Two’, she showed off her singing and dancing talents as she took on the role of Roxie Hart in Chicago last week.
On March 4, Janette shared a photo with her husband of the two embracing in a hug after her first show. She captioned the Instagram post: “Thank you for coming to support me Bučko (@aljazskorjanec), and also to my agents and beautiful friends. My heart felt so full of love. What a beautiful tribe I have surrounding me.”
She will be in Ireland this week for shows scheduled at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre in Dublin from March 11 to 15. The production will then head to Northern Ireland for dates at the Grand Opera House in Belfast Janette has shared that she won’t see Aljaž or Lyra while she’s away for those two weeks.
In an emotional Instagram story posted by Janette last night, she wiped tears away from her eyes after having already said goodbye to her family. The dancer said: “Hi gang. Just said my goodbyes to Aljaž and Lyra, and I won’t see them for two weeks now but sharing is good because it makes us all feel better.
“And I miss them a lot. It’s the longest I’ll be away from Lyra so just starting to count down to the day I see her again. But in the mean time, I’m gonna stay strong and know that mommy is making her proud.
“And she is gonna have the best time with her cousins and her nan in Slovenia. Anyways, to all the parents that have to say goodbye to their kids for work or for whatever reason, it’s always tough but we’ve got this! We’ve got it.”
Janette and Aljaž had spent time together with their daughter Lyra over the weekend prior to them parting ways this week for their time apart. The couple welcomed Lyra in July 2023 and revealed that they were preparing to start their IVF journey and naturally fell pregnant with their first child.
When it was announced that she would be playing the role of Roxie Hart on the Chicago UK tour, Motsi Mabuse, Vito Coppola, Jowita Przystal, Dianne Buswell and Gorka Marquez were among those sending support to Janette. Fans have also expressed their delight at the dancer’s new venture.
Among the first to reply to the post about her first show on tour was Strictly’s Amy Dowden. The dancer, who was recently awarded an MBE left a series of supportive emojis including praising hands and clapping.
Nadiya Bychkova attended the theatre production to support her friend. In a message to Janette, she said “Absolutely loved watching you shine last night and living your dream. You’re incredible. Love you lots.”
One fan wrote on social media: “We are all here to support you everyone who spends money to watch you loves to see you xx” another added “I will always be proud of you.” Others added “Super duper star congratulations” and “So proud of you, you superstar!!.”