JANETTE MANRARA: Losing Out on the Strictly Job Has Changed How I See Rejection

Janette Manrara has been a fan favourite on Strictly Come Dancing for 14 years, first as one of its professional dancers and then as the co-host of its spin-off show, It Takes Two. I first met Janette during my time on Strictly and from the moment we met, her love of dance was completely infectious. Earlier this year, Janette announced she would no longer be part of It Takes Two. In our conversation, she opens up about what it was like to say goodbye to the show that's shaped much of her career, and why she's more excited than ever about what comes next. Janette shares: What it felt like to miss out on the Strictly hosting job What working on Strictly Come Dancing was like Discovering who she was outside of dancing before becoming a mum Why her biggest goal in life is to go to Cuba Janette brings pure joy to every room she walks into. She's a reminder that when one dream comes to an end, it doesn’t mean the story is over. Janette Manrara is Great Company. If you enjoyed the show, you can also follow us: Instagram - Instagram: greatcompanypodcast TikTok - TikTok: greatcompanypodcast Jamie - Instagram: jamielaing And if you've got thoughts, questions and comments, you can email us at: [email protected] Janette stars in Affluenza, now playing at Riverside Studios. Find out more: https://riversidestudios.co.uk/whats-... Your home might be worth more than you think. Find out how much at Airbnb.co.uk/host Some things are simply too good to save for another day. Discover the Maserati range at www.maserati.com and find your nearest Maserati showroom today 00:00 Coming up 01:48 Jamie’s intro 02:33 Managing sleepless nights as a new parent 06:01 ‘I knew I wanted to entertain’ 12:05 Dealing with rejection for the first time 17:05 Janette on not getting the Strictly hosting job 26:00 Becoming a mum at 39 31:02 Janette’s parents’ refugee journey from Cuba 40:06 ‘Biggest goal in life’ is to visit Cuba 44:50 The celebrity experience on Strictly 48:14 Janette’s experience with online abuse 50:45 Discussing Strictly controversies 53:15 Working with and being married to Strictly's Aljaž 59:42 ‘I’m so excited for this reinvention phase of my life’ 1:02:44 Final 8 Questions THE CREDITS Producer: Faye Lawrence Assistant Producer: Issy Weeks-Hankins Video: Josh Bennett Senior Social Media Manager: Laura Coughlan Audio: Rafi Amsili Geovannetti Senior Producer: Helen Burke Shot on Sony Cinema Line cameras FX6, FX2 with Sony G-Master lenses 16-35GM, 24-70GM