Janette Manrara left in tears as she shares ‘tough’ impact of BBC Strictly role on family life: ‘Hurts so hard’
Janette Manrara has been inundated with support after sharing a candid video on social media showing her in tears.
The former BBC Strictly pro, who now presents spin-off show It Takes Two, admitted in the accompanying caption that the tears were a result of juggling her work and family life.
Manrara is married to fellow professional dancer Aljaz Skorjanec, who’s also hard at work for the new series of the dance competition alongside celebrity partner Tasha Ghouri.
The husband and wife duo share a daughter, Lyra, who they welcomed in July 2023.
With Skorjanec in the rehearsal room with Ghouri and Manrara hard at work in front of the camera for It Takes Two, baby Lyra spends time at nursery.
The impact of leaving her child to tend to Strictly duties clearly hit Manrara hard on Wednesday as she wrote in the caption to her tearful video: “This is an honesty post for any parent that needs to hear it….. WE’VE GOT THIS.
“It’s tough to balance parenthood and work, but we all do our absolute best.
“It’s getting harder and harder to leave Lyra at nursery as she’s getting older and more aware, and our bond is growing stronger. But I know it’s the best for both of us right now.
“I can get to work knowing she is safe, and she develops social skills and stronger immunity to viruses all while having fun and learning.”
Reflecting on her daughter’s heartbreaking reaction to her parents’ work duties, Manrara continued: “She always cries when I leave her, but she is fine after a few minutes.
“It hurts so hard to see her upset and holding on so tight to mami.
“But I remind myself that she is learning from example, a loving mami who protects and cares for her, and also works hard to provide for her family, and make her dreams come true.”
Manrara signed off by thanking the nursery team who are looking after her daughter before including the hashtags: “#RealFeelings #GoodToShare #Parenthood #RealityOfLife #WeGotThis.”
The former Strictly pro was soon inundated with support from her followers after sharing the update – including several familiar faces.
Skorjanec’s dance partner Ghouri remarked in the comments: “You’re doing amazing!! Sending big hugs and kisses,” followed by love heart emojis.
Elsewhere, current Strictly competitor Sam Quek weighed in: “I hear you mama, you’re doing amazing and you got this. I had it this week, you’re not alone. See you very soon.”
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“It’s hard but we’ve got this,” Chyna Mills said, the former Love Island star who’s engaged to Strictly pro Neil Jones.
And Shayne Ward’s wife Sophie Austin added: “It’s so unbelievably hard and the guilt is so real and so overwhelming but know Your amazing, what you do is amazing and she will grow up seeing such an amazingly, strong, talented power house lady that is her mum. That bond will only grow more and more xx.” (sic)
