Janette Manrara, renowned for her dazzling performances on the popular BBC show Strictly Come Dancing, is ready to take the stage as she embarks on her musical theatre debut. The 41-year-old has been cast as Roxie Hart in the UK and Ireland tour of the iconic musical Chicago, set to premiere on March 3, 2025. This exciting new chapter follows her successful stint as a professional dancer on the show from 2013 to 2020 and as the co-host of its spin-off, It Takes Two, starting in 2021.
Friends and fellow dancers have rallied to support Janette as she steps onto the stage, with Nadiya Bychkova, another beloved Strictly star, taking to Instagram to share her excitement. Nadiya, who was part of the dance competition since 2017, posted, "Couldn't be more proud and excited about my dear friend @jmanrara. Love you lots! Congratulations." This heartfelt gesture reflects the strong camaraderie among the show's former and current stars.
The news about Janette's role broke through her own Instagram post, where she announced, "I have news... Extra extra! Big news for Foxy Roxie! The dazzling Janette Manrara will be joining the #ChicagoUKTour as Roxie Hart from 3rd March!" This enthusiastic announcement marks the beginning of her transition from television to the stage, a move many fans view as both thrilling and momentous.
Janette embraces her role with optimism and ambition, stating, "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." Janette looks forward to joining her castmates, which include West End star Djalenga Scott as Velma Kelly and Joshua Lloyd as Amos Hart.
While Janette engages with theatre, the impact on her television career is still unclear. Fans are left speculating about potential changes to her role on Strictly, yet many appear supportive of her pursuing both acting and hosting. Nadiya, who faced her own struggles during the last season of Strictly, amplified the excitement surrounding Janette’s new venture, attracting commendation from followers and fellow dancers.
The anticipation for Chicago has built since the news of Janette's casting, as this renowned musical has showcased remarkable talent since its inception. Chicago, originally choreographed by Bob Fosse and featuring music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb, tells the story of Roxie Hart, who becomes embroiled in the chaotic world of crime and media sensationalism. Janette's portrayal of the character promises to captivate audiences, especially as the show tours various cities across the UK and Ireland.
Performances will take place at venues including Glasgow's King's Theatre and the Lowry Theatre in Salford, with many fans already expressing their eagerness to see Janette shine on stage. Revelers can expect not only her signature dance moves but also her ability to engage the audience through the articulation of Roxie's complex character.
While her transition to musical theatre has taken center stage, Janette has admitted managing her career alongside family priorities was no small feat. Reflecting on her decision to start a family, she stated, "I'm a dancer and my body is my tool, so the decision to have a child was a big one, as it meant putting me out of work for at least a year, maybe two, who knows?" Now, with her role on It Takes Two, she feels liberated, saying, "When I became a presenter, I felt like a massive weight had been lifted off my shoulders."
Janette's colleagues have actively rallied to celebrate her new role, with fellow dancer Dianne Buswell posting, "Yessss girl so exciting. So happy for you," and other cast members showing their admiration. The sentiment across social media reflects not just personal affection but also awe at Janette’s talent and her ability to navigate her career with grace and resilience.
While her adventure as Roxie Hart is about to begin, Janette's fans are left hopeful for more exciting announcements. Anticipation stirs within the community, eager to see whether she'll continue thriving on television or focus solely on stage performances. Regardless of the path she chooses, Janette’s recent changes signal vibrant prospects as she marks her place within the world of musical theatre.
It’s clear the support from her fellow dancers and the audience alike will be instrumental as she ventures out of her comfort zone and enters the glitzy and demanding world of theatre. With her friends cheering her on and fans believing in her talent, Janette Manrara is poised to dazzle as Roxie Hart.