Janette Manrara is a Cuban-American dancer, choreographer, and television presenter known to millions for her work on Strictly Come Dancing and its companion show It Takes Two. From her early days as a finance student in Miami to becoming a mainstay of British ballroom television, her career has been marked by versatility and public warmth. This article covers her age, height, family life, career milestones, book, and the unsubstantiated rumors that sometimes surround her name.
Born in Miami to Cuban parents, Manrara first gained national attention as a finalist on the U.S. series So You Think You Can Dance. She later moved to the United Kingdom, where she joined the professional dancer lineup of Strictly Come Dancing in 2013 and became a fixture of the show until 2021, when she stepped into a presenting role on It Takes Two.
Her personal life has also drawn significant public interest. She married fellow Strictly professional Aljaž Škorjanec in 2017, and the couple welcomed their daughter Lyra Rose in July 2023. Despite persistent online queries, there is no verified report of any tragic event involving Manrara; the “sad news” searches appear to stem from unfounded speculation.
How old is Janette Manrara and what are her basic biographical details?
41 (as of 2025)
American
Professional dancer & TV presenter
Strictly Come Dancing & It Takes Two
- Janette Manrara transitioned from a professional dancer to a main presenter of Strictly‘s spin-off show It Takes Two.
- She has been married to fellow Strictly professional dancer Aljaž Škorjanec since 2017.
- In July 2023, she gave birth to her first child, a daughter named Lyra Rose Škorjanec.
- Despite search interest, there is no verified “sad news” about Janette Manrara; this appears to be an unfounded rumor.
- Her net worth is not publicly disclosed; estimates vary but she remains an active media figure.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full name | Janette Manrara Škorjanec |
| Born | November 16, 1983 |
| Birthplace | Miami, Florida, USA |
| Age | 41 (as of 2025) |
| Height | Not publicly confirmed |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Dancer, television presenter |
| Spouse | Aljaž Škorjanec (m. 2017) |
| Children | 1 daughter (Lyra Rose, born July 2023) |
| Net worth | Estimated (no official figure) |
| Known for | Strictly Come Dancing, It Takes Two |
What is Janette Manrara’s birthplace and nationality?
Janette Manrara was born on November 16, 1983, in Miami, Florida, to Cuban parents Luis and Maritza. She is the oldest of three children. Her nationality is American, and she identifies as Cuban-American. She studied finance at Florida International University before committing fully to dance, and worked briefly in a bank while continuing her training.
How tall is Janette Manrara?
Manrara’s height is commonly listed as 5 ft 0 in (approximately 152 cm), though this figure has not been officially confirmed by a primary source. No authoritative record from the BBC or a verified biography provides a definitive measurement, so reported numbers should be treated as unverified estimates.
What is Janette Manrara’s net worth in 2025?
No authoritative figure for Janette Manrara’s net worth has been published. Some biography websites estimate it in the range of $1–2 million, but these numbers are not supported by any official financial disclosure or primary source. Given her ongoing television work, live appearances, and book revenue, she remains an active earner, but a precise figure is not available.
Does Janette Manrara have a baby and who is her husband?
Who is Janette Manrara’s husband Aljaž Škorjanec?
Janette Manrara married Slovenian dancer Aljaž Škorjanec on July 15, 2017. Škorjanec is also a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing, having joined the show in 2013. The couple met through the dance circuit and have been a prominent pair in the British dance world. Their wedding took place in Slovenia.
When did Janette Manrara give birth to her first child?
Manrara and Škorjanec welcomed their daughter, Lyra Rose, on July 28, 2023. The birth was widely reported across UK media and was celebrated by their fanbase. Manrara has spoken about the experience of motherhood in interviews and on her social media channels.
Is Janette Manrara expecting a second baby?
As of early 2025, there has been no official announcement regarding a second pregnancy. Any speculation about a second child remains unconfirmed and should be treated as rumor unless verified by Manrara or her representatives.
Janette Manrara’s parents are named Luis and Maritza. She is the oldest of three children. Her husband, Aljaž Škorjanec, is also a professional dancer. The couple’s daughter Lyra Rose was born in July 2023. No second child has been announced.
What is Janette Manrara’s career in dance and television?
What was Janette Manrara’s role on Strictly Come Dancing?
Manrara joined the professional dancer lineup of Strictly Come Dancing in 2013 and remained a pro until 2021. During her time on the show, she was paired with a variety of celebrity contestants and performed in numerous group routines. She stepped down from the dance troupe in June 2021 to take on a new role as co-host of Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two on BBC Two.
What is It Takes Two and how is Janette Manrara involved?
Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two is the weekday companion show that offers behind-the-scenes coverage, interviews, and analysis of the main competition. Manrara joined as a main presenter in 2021, sharing hosting duties with other presenters. The show airs on BBC Two and has become an essential part of the Strictly ecosystem.
Has Janette Manrara published a book?
Yes. Janette Manrara’s first book, Tiny Dancer, Big World, was published on September 12, 2024. The book is a memoir that covers her journey from Miami to the UK, her dance career, and her experiences on television.
Manrara is one of the few Strictly professionals who successfully transitioned from dancing on the main show to presenting its spin-off. Her move to It Takes Two in 2021 marked a significant shift in her public role, from performer to broadcaster.
What is the sad news about Janette Manrara?
Is there any confirmed sad news about Janette Manrara?
No verified report of any tragic event involving Janette Manrara exists. The most notable recent personal event in her life is the birth of her daughter in July 2023, followed by her continued work on It Takes Two and live projects. No credible news outlet has published any story of loss, illness, or misfortune.
Why do some searches mention “sad news”?
The “sad news” query appears to have no basis in fact. It is likely the result of viral social media posts, confusion with another celebrity, or clickbait content. As of early 2025, no evidence supports any tragedy connected to Manrara, and the rumor should be treated as unsubstantiated.
Despite persistent online searches for “Janette Manrara sad news,” no verified report of any tragedy exists. The only major personal event reported in recent years is the birth of her daughter in 2023. Readers should treat any claims of sad news as unconfirmed.
What are the key milestones in Janette Manrara’s life?
- 1983 – Born in Miami, Florida on November 16.
- 2009 – Moved to the UK to pursue her dance career.
- 2013 – First appearance on Strictly Come Dancing as a professional dancer.
- 2015 – Appeared on The People’s Strictly for Comic Relief.
- 2017 – Married Aljaž Škorjanec in a ceremony in Slovenia.
- 2021 – Became a main presenter of Strictly‘s It Takes Two on BBC Two.
- 2023 – Gave birth to daughter Lyra Rose in July.
- 2025 – Continues presenting It Takes Two; no confirmed second baby or sad news.
What information about Janette Manrara is confirmed and what remains unclear?
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| Born on November 16, 1983, in Miami, Florida. | Height – not officially listed in any top source; common estimates are unconfirmed. |
| Married Aljaž Škorjanec in 2017. | Net worth – no reliable public figure; estimates vary widely. |
| Gave birth to a daughter in July 2023. | Sad news – no verified report exists; the query likely stems from misinformation. |
| Professional dancer and currently presents It Takes Two. | Second baby – no official announcement; purely speculative. |
What is the broader context of Janette Manrara’s career and public presence?
Janette Manrara’s career trajectory mirrors that of several Strictly professionals who transitioned into presenting. Unlike many, she has maintained a dual role as dancer and host. Her marriage to Aljaž Škorjanec, also a Strictly pro, has kept them both in the public eye, often generating fan interest in family updates. The persistence of the “sad news” query may be due to viral social posts or confusion with another celebrity; no evidence supports any tragedy. Her book, Tiny Dancer, Big World, published in 2024, adds a new dimension to her public profile.
Where can readers find reliable information about Janette Manrara?
“Janette Manrara Škorjanec (born November 16, 1983) is an American professional dancer and television presenter.”
– Wikipedia
“Janette returns to the Strictly Come Dancing team presenting Strictly’s BBC Two weekday sister show, It Takes Two.”
– BBC Strictly
“Janette Manrara was born on 16 November 1983 in Miami, Florida, USA.”
– IMDb
What is next for Janette Manrara?
Janette Manrara is expected to continue co-presenting It Takes Two for the 2025 series. No official announcements regarding a second child or a new book have been made. Any queries about “sad news” should be treated as unsubstantiated; no updates of that nature are expected. For more on the world of British television presenting, see the Blue Peter Presenters – Complete List and History 1958-2025.
Frequently asked questions about Janette Manrara
What is Janette Manrara’s full name?
Janette Manrara Škorjanec.
How tall is Janette Manrara?
Her height has not been officially disclosed. Some unverified sources estimate around 5’0″ (152 cm), but this is not confirmed.
What is Janette Manrara’s Instagram handle?
Her Instagram is @jmanrara.
When did Janette Manrara start presenting It Takes Two?
She became a main presenter in 2021.
Does Janette Manrara have a Wikipedia page?
Yes, a detailed Wikipedia page exists under “Janette Manrara.”
What is Janette Manrara’s relationship with Aljaž Škorjanec?
They are married since 2017 and have one daughter together.
Did Janette Manrara write a book?
Yes, her memoir Tiny Dancer, Big World was published on September 12, 2024.
Is there any sad news about Janette Manrara?
No verified report of any tragedy exists. The rumor appears to be unfounded.
What is Janette Manrara’s net worth?
No official figure has been disclosed. Some estimates range around $1–2 million, but this is unconfirmed.
How many children does Janette Manrara have?
She has one daughter, Lyra Rose, born in July 2023.
Rebecca Haines is Managing Editor at DailyCity.co.uk, running the daily news list and covering UK and world stories with a city lens.