Strictly Come Dancing’s Janette Manrara set for huge lead role leaving fans gobsmacked

Former Strictly Come Dancing pro Janette Manrara has surprised fans with a career announcement this week.

Janette, 41, is best known for her role as a dancer on the BBC show from 2013 to 2020. She’s since been a co-host on companion show It Takes Two and has toured with her professional dancer husband Aljaž Škorjanec on several occasions over the years.

It’s now been announced that Janette will be touring once again later this year – this time taking to stage to star in a musical. She will play lead Roxie Hart in a touring production of Chicago across the UK and has described her involvement as a “dream come true”.

Janette is seen in character in a promotional photo shared as part of the announcement this week. A post on Instagram on Thursday morning from the show’s account read: “Extra extra! Big news for Foxy Roxie! The dazzling Janette Manrara will be joining the #ChicagoUKTour as Roxie Hart from 3rd March! “

Fans shared their excitement in the comments section of the post, with one person reacting: “Omg Janette. Wow. Congrats. ” Another said: “No way! This is fantastic news. ” Someone else responded: “Omg I am screaming with happiness. “

There was also reaction from some of her Strictly co-stars, with the likes of Vito Coppola congratulating Janette. Amy Dowden wrote: “Go on superstar. ” Whilst Nancy Xu replied with heart eyed emojis. Dianne Buswell said: “Yesss girl so exciting. So happy for you. ” And Jowita Przystał said beside flame emojis: “Slay. “

The tour has already begun with former Coronation Street cast member Faye Brookes currently in the role of Roxie, who was notably played by Renée Zellweger in the film adaptation, released in 2002. She’s joined in the cast at the moment by Loose Women’s Brenda Edwards and Strictly’s Kevin Clifton as Matron ‘Mama’ Morton and Billy Flynn respectively. It was previously announced that Faye, Brenda and Kevin will appear in select venues through to March 1st, shortly before Janette joins the cast.

According to What’s On Stage, Janette will be joined by Djalenga Scott as Velma Kelly, Joshua Lloyd as Amos Hart and Jordan Lee Davies as Mary Sunshine – who are already part of the cast. The latest casting for Billy Flynn and Mama Morton are yet to be announced.

Janette said in a statement shared with the outlet: “This is a dream come true! To have my musical theatre debut be playing the iconic Roxie Hart is so exciting. She is a beautifully complex character, and I cannot wait to bring my Roxie to the stage. ” She added in the statement that she’s looking forward to working with the “incredible cast” and team on the tour.

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Source: Mirror