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Janette Manrara – Age, Husband, Baby, Book, and Career Guide

Jack Thomas Bennett Carter • 2026-06-09 • Reviewed by Maya Thompson

How Old Is Janette Manrara and What Are Her Personal Details?

Full name
Janette Manrara (Škorjanec)
Date of birth
November 16, 1983
Profession
Professional dancer, TV presenter
Nationality
American (Cuban-American)

Key insights at a glance

  • Janette Manrara is best known as a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing and later as a presenter on It Takes Two.
  • She married fellow Strictly professional Aljaž Škorjanec in 2017 and they have one daughter, Lyra Rose, born in July 2023.
  • She has authored a memoir titled Tiny Dancer, Big World.
  • Recent searches for “sad news” likely stem from unconfirmed rumors; no verified reports of a tragic event exist.
  • Her career began with salsa dancing in Miami and later the US show So You Think You Can Dance.
  • She joined the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing in 2013 and moved to presenting in 2021.

Quick facts about Janette Manrara

Fact Details
Age Born November 16, 1983 (41 as of 2025)
Height 5 ft 2 in (157 cm)
Husband Aljaž Škorjanec (married July 15, 2017)
Children 1 daughter – Lyra Rose (born July 28, 2023)
Book Tiny Dancer, Big World (memoir)
Strictly debut 2013, partnered with Julien Macdonald
Years active 1995–present
Nationality American (Cuban heritage)

Who Is Janette Manrara Married To and Does She Have Children?

Her husband: Aljaž Škorjanec

Janette Manrara is married to Aljaž Škorjanec, a Slovenian professional dancer whom she met on Strictly Come Dancing. The couple became engaged in 2015 and tied the knot on July 15, 2017. Both were part of the BBC show’s professional lineup for several years. Aljaž is also known for winning the show in 2013 with actress Abbey Clancy.

Their daughter Lyra Rose

Janette and Aljaž welcomed their first child, daughter Lyra Rose, on July 28, 2023. The birth was widely celebrated by fans and fellow dancers. Since then, Janette has occasionally shared glimpses of family life on social media.

Is Janette Manrara having a second baby?

As of the latest available information, there has been no official announcement regarding a second pregnancy. Online speculation may arise, but neither Janette nor Aljaž has confirmed any plans for another child.

Family timeline note

The couple’s journey from engagement (2015) to marriage (2017) to first child (2023) is well documented. Any claims about a second baby remain unverified until an official statement is made.

What Is Janette Manrara’s Career in Strictly Come Dancing?

From professional dancer to presenter

Janette joined the Strictly Come Dancing professional roster in 2013. Over the years she was paired with celebrity partners including Julien Macdonald, Jake Wood, Aston Merrygold, and HRVY. In 2021, she stepped away from dancing on the show to become co-host of the spin-off programme Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two, alongside Rylan Clark and later Fleur East.

Notable partners and achievements

Before her British TV career, Janette gained attention on the US series So You Think You Can Dance (2009). Her vibrant Latin style, rooted in her Cuban-American upbringing, made her a fan favourite on Strictly. She reached the final in 2020 with singer HRVY, finishing as runners-up.

Background insight

Janette’s early training began with salsa in Miami. Her American-Cuban heritage has influenced her dance style and stage presence, as noted in her Wikipedia profile.

Has Janette Manrara Written a Book?

Yes, Janette Manrara has authored her first book, a memoir titled Tiny Dancer, Big World. In interviews she described it as drawing on her childhood, career path, and life lessons. The book offers fans an intimate look at her journey from a young salsa dancer in Miami to a television personality in the UK. No specific publication date was provided in the sources available.

What Is the Sad News About Janette Manrara?

There is no verified sad news concerning Janette Manrara in recent months. The most notable event that may be referenced is a report from The Independent stating she was dropped as a host of It Takes Two for the 2025 series. This change appears to be a programming decision rather than a personal tragedy. Searches for “sad news” likely stem from misinterpretation of this professional update.

What Are the Key Milestones in Janette Manrara’s Life?

  1. 1983 – Born in Miami, Florida, USA.
  2. 2009 – Competed on So You Think You Can Dance (US).
  3. 2013 – Joined Strictly Come Dancing as a professional dancer.
  4. 2017 – Married Aljaž Škorjanec.
  5. 2021 – Became co-host of Strictly: It Takes Two.
  6. 2023 – Gave birth to daughter Lyra Rose in July.
  7. 2024-2025 – Published memoir Tiny Dancer, Big World and stepped back from It Takes Two.

What Is Confirmed and What Remains Unclear?

Established information Information that remains unclear
Born November 16, 1983 in Miami Exact publication date of Tiny Dancer, Big World
Married to Aljaž Škorjanec since 2017 Whether she is expecting a second child – no official announcement
One daughter, Lyra Rose (born 2023) Nature of “sad news” – no credible source confirms any tragic event
Active as a Strictly professional from 2013–2021 Future TV roles after leaving It Takes Two

Why Is Janette Manrara So Widely Known?

Janette Manrara’s popularity stems from her long tenure on Strictly Come Dancing and her natural transition into presenting. Her Cuban-American heritage and salsa background gave her a distinctive style on the dance floor. After stepping back from professional dancing, she built a new audience as co-host of It Takes Two. Her memoir, Tiny Dancer, Big World, and her active social media presence further connect her with fans.

Where Can You Find Reliable Information About Janette Manrara?

The most authoritative source for biographical data is her Wikipedia entry. The BBC Strictly profile covers her involvement with the show. For personal updates, her official Instagram account is the primary channel. Her talent agency, Milk Management, provides a professional biography. Additional references include IMDb for credits and a YouTube interview where she discusses her book.

“Everything you need to know about Janette Manrara: age, height, husband, baby news, book details, and Strictly Come Dancing career.” – Summary from multiple sources.

What Is the Most Important Thing to Know About Janette Manrara?

Janette Manrara is a versatile entertainer who rose from a salsa-dancing childhood in Miami to become a beloved figure on British television. Whether dancing on Strictly Come Dancing, hosting It Takes Two, or writing her memoir, she has maintained a warm connection with her audience. For more celebrity biographies, see Anna Maxwell Martin – BAFTAs, Family, and Career Highlights.

Frequently Asked Questions About Janette Manrara

What is Janette Manrara’s age?

She is 41 years old as of 2025, born on November 16, 1983.

How tall is Janette Manrara?

She is 5 feet 2 inches (157 cm) tall.

Who is Janette Manrara’s husband?

Her husband is Aljaž Škorjanec, a Slovenian dancer and fellow Strictly professional. They married in 2017.

Does Janette Manrara have children?

Yes, she has one daughter, Lyra Rose, born July 28, 2023.

Is Janette Manrara having a second baby?

No official announcement has been made; any rumors are unconfirmed.

What sad news about Janette Manrara?

No verified sad news exists. The only related report is that she was dropped as a host of It Takes Two.

What is Janette Manrara’s book?

Her memoir is Tiny Dancer, Big World, covering her childhood, career, and life lessons.

Where can I find Janette Manrara’s wiki?

Wikipedia is the most comprehensive source. The link is provided in the sources section above.

What shows has Janette Manrara been on?

She is best known for Strictly Come Dancing and Strictly: It Takes Two, and also appeared on So You Think You Can Dance.

Is Janette Manrara still on It Takes Two?

Reports suggest she was dropped from the 2025 series, but this has not been confirmed by the BBC.



Jack Thomas Bennett Carter

About the author

Jack Thomas Bennett Carter

We publish daily fact-based reporting with continuous editorial review.