Janette Manrara has been overwhelmed with messages of love and encouragement after she was visibly moved to tears. The beloved presenter and Strictly dancer opened up about a ‘tough realisation’ as she contemplates her future in the coming weeks and months.
Fans may know that Janette is gearing up for an new challenge, having shared the news earlier this month. It’s been announced that she will make her stage debut as the leading lady, Roxie Hart, in the acclaimed musical CHICAGO, as it embarks on a UK tour.
March will see her take the spotlight with Chicago visiting the Lowry in Salford from Monday 25 to Saturday August 30, 2025 as well as other cities such as Oxford, Bournemouth and Dublin.. In a statement she expressed: “This is a dream come true!
“To have my musical theatre debut be playing the iconic Roxie Hart is so exciting. She is a beautifully complex character, and I cannot wait to bring my ‘Roxie’ to the stage.”
She continued: “I truly look forward to working with the incredible cast and the whole team of one of the best musicals of all time. Looking forward to seeing everyone that comes to the show and giving them a real ‘razzle dazzle’ of a show!”, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Nonetheless, as Janette’s stage debut draws nearer, she is thinking about the changes that will ensue, particularly when it comes to looking after her and husband Aljaz Skorjanec’s daughter, Lyra Rose.
Sharing a snap of herself grinning widely, script in hand, alongside a touching clip where she’s seen tearing up while holding her little one close, Janette took to Instagram to express her mixed emotions: “Heading into my last week of @chicagoonstage rehearsals and meeting the full cast today. Excitement is an understatement! But it doesn’t come w/o a bit of tough realisation.
“Yesterday I spoke w/ a man who said he and his wife felt so happy when I shared the tough times as well as the fun times because parenting really is a roller coaster. And I immediately felt the urge to share what I had filmed yesterday while Lyra was falling asleep on me…. I broke down into tears thinking how few the times will be this summer that I will get to do that again w/ her.
“But speaking to him (and his wife over FaceTime) reminded me that being a working parent is tough, and the guilt always kicks in. That’s why sharing our stories creates support that is crucial and reminds us we are not alone. This is to ALL OF US that are working hard to provide a wonderful life for our children.
“And I know that specifically in mine and @aljazskorjanec case, Lyra has a mom and dad who both do what they love and support each other in doing so, a priceless lesson for life and whatever her future may hold for her. We got this team. You’re all doing amazing.”
She further shared: “P.S. Good luck to Anna whom I met on FaceTime yesterday and has an 11month old little girl, but is about to go back to work as a primary school teacher. I know you’re nervous, but you’ll be amazing and all will be well! P.S.S. I was also wearing my #StrongGirlsClub jumper that @saradaviescc got me. Another little reminder that we are strong and we got this.”
The post quickly garnered a wave of supportive messages from Janette’s famous pals and Strictly co-stars. Former Coronation Street actress Catherine Tyldesley responded: “You’ve got this my love.
“She will be SO proud of you. And the time you do have together will be so super precious. We raise warrior queens. You’re the best mummy – and you also still Jeanette- the shiniest of stars.
“You need time to glow and shine. It is through our dreams our souls truly shine!!! And how wonderful that your family see that. Shine for you and for her. “
Ex-Love Island contestant Chyna Mills chimed in with: “Lyra will forever be proud. You’ve got this mama.”
Strictly professional Nadiya Bychkova posted: “You’ve got this. Love you lots.” Nancy Xu, who also works with Janette on Strictly, added her voice to the chorus of support, stating: “You got this J!!!!!”