The Dance of Change: What Janette Manrara’s Exit Tells Us About Strictly’s Evolution
When I first heard that Janette Manrara was stepping down as host of It Takes Two, my initial reaction was one of mild surprise. After all, she’s been a staple of Strictly Come Dancing for over a decade, first as a professional dancer and then as a presenter. But as I dug deeper, it became clear that this isn’t just a personnel change—it’s a symptom of something much bigger. Strictly is undergoing a seismic shift, and Manrara’s departure is just one piece of a much larger puzzle.
The End of an Era—Or the Start of Something New?
Let’s be honest: Strictly has always been a show that thrives on familiarity. The glitter, the drama, the Craig Revel Horwood scowl—these are the elements that keep viewers coming back year after year. But with long-time hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman stepping down, and now Manrara leaving It Takes Two, it feels like the show is shedding its skin.
Personally, I think this is both exciting and unsettling. On one hand, change is necessary for any long-running show to stay fresh. On the other, there’s a risk of losing the magic that made Strictly a cultural phenomenon. What makes this particularly fascinating is how the BBC is handling it. By bringing in new hosts like Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe, they’re clearly trying to appeal to a broader audience while maintaining the show’s core identity. But will it work? Only time will tell.
The Bigger Picture: Why Strictly’s Overhaul Matters
What many people don’t realize is that Strictly isn’t just a dance competition—it’s a mirror of British culture. The show’s evolution reflects broader trends in entertainment, from the rise of reality TV to the increasing demand for diversity and inclusivity. When Manrara mentions that Strictly is “all she’s known for the last 14 years,” it’s a poignant reminder of how deeply these shows can shape careers and identities.
From my perspective, the decision to drop Manrara and Fleur East from It Takes Two isn’t just about giving the show a “fresh start.” It’s about redefining what Strictly means in 2024 and beyond. The BBC is betting that audiences are ready for something new, but they’re also walking a tightrope. Mess this up, and they risk alienating loyal viewers who’ve grown attached to the show’s familiar faces.
The Human Side of Change
One thing that immediately stands out is how gracefully Manrara has handled her exit. Her YouTube announcement was filled with optimism, even as she acknowledged the uncertainty of stepping into the unknown. “I’m free to pursue other projects,” she said, and I can’t help but wonder what those projects might be. Will she return to dancing? Venture into acting? Or perhaps become a judge on another show?
What this really suggests is that even in the face of change, there’s opportunity. Manrara’s departure isn’t just an end—it’s a new beginning. And that’s a lesson we could all take to heart.
The Broader Implications: What’s Next for Strictly?
If you take a step back and think about it, Strictly’s overhaul is part of a larger trend in television. Shows are no longer content to rest on their laurels; they’re constantly reinventing themselves to stay relevant. But with reinvention comes risk. Will the new hosts gel with the audience? Will the show’s core charm survive the changes?
A detail that I find especially interesting is the departure of several professional dancers, including Nadiya Bychkova and Luba Mushtuk. Their exits, combined with Manrara’s, feel like the end of an era. But as Mushtuk so eloquently put it, “The dance we love has to sometimes come to an end, but that doesn’t mean the music stops.”
Final Thoughts: Dancing Into the Unknown
In my opinion, Strictly’s current transformation is both a gamble and a necessity. The show has always been about movement—literally and metaphorically. By embracing change, the BBC is proving that Strictly isn’t just a show; it’s a living, breathing entity that evolves with the times.
But here’s the bigger question: Will audiences embrace this new chapter, or will they long for the days of Daly, Winkleman, and Manrara? Personally, I’m cautiously optimistic. Strictly has always been a show that celebrates resilience, creativity, and the joy of reinvention. If anyone can pull this off, it’s them.
So, as we bid farewell to Janette Manrara and welcome the new era of Strictly, let’s remember that change isn’t just inevitable—it’s essential. After all, even the most beautiful dance routines need a few new steps to stay captivating.
