In a twist that’s got Strictly fans losing their minds, whispers are growing louder that Janette Manrara could be the surprise choice to step into the glittering ballroom shoes left vacant by long-time hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.

The beloved presenting duo bid an emotional farewell to the BBC One juggernaut after the 2025 Christmas special, ending a 21-year era for Tess and an 11-year partnership with Claudia that became synonymous with Saturday night sparkle. Now, as the show gears up for its 2026 return, bookies and insiders are tipping Janette — the current host of spin-off It Takes Two — as the “internal promotion” dream candidate to keep the magic alive.

Fans are in meltdown, flooding social media with support: “Janette for main host NOW!” and “She knows Strictly inside out — perfect choice!” But is this the fairytale succession plan, or just wishful thinking? One thing’s for sure: the ballroom is buzzing.

The Emotional Exit: Tess and Claudia’s Tearful Goodbye

Tess Daly, 52, has been the elegant face of Strictly since its launch in 2004, first partnering with the late Sir Bruce Forsyth before Claudia Winkleman, 60, joined as co-host in 2014. Their dynamic — Tess’s polished professionalism paired with Claudia’s quirky chaos in the “Clauditorium” — made them TV gold.

But in October 2025, the pair stunned viewers by announcing they’d step down after the series finale and Christmas special. Tess cited a desire for “new adventures,” while Claudia joked about “needing more time to eat crisps.” Their final appearance on the festive show saw them embrace on the dancefloor amid tears and tributes, with the BBC praising their “incredible contribution.”

The departure left a gaping hole. Strictly without Tess and Claudia? It felt unthinkable. Yet the show must go on — and speculation exploded over who could fill the void.

Janette Manrara: From Pro Dancer to Potential Queen of the Ballroom

Enter Janette Manrara, 41, the Miami-born firecracker who’s been part of the Strictly family since 2013. She joined as a professional dancer, wowing audiences with her Latin flair and partnering celebrities like Melvin Odoom and Aston Merrygold. In 2021, she swapped sequins for a microphone, taking over It Takes Two alongside Rylan Clark (and later Fleur East), where she interviews contestants, dissects routines, and keeps the gossip flowing backstage.

Janette’s Strictly credentials are impeccable: she’s hosted the live tour, appeared in specials, and even won hearts with her chemistry on screen. Married to pro dancer Aljaž Škorjanec (still a resident pro), she’s deeply embedded in the show’s world.

Rumours first swirled in December 2025, right after Tess and Claudia’s last show. Janette appeared on BBC Breakfast hours before the final, where hosts Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt grilled her on the vacancy. When asked if she’d “thrown her dancing shoes in the ring,” she deflected gracefully: “Right now, all I know is that the producers are focused on giving Tess and Claudia a proper goodbye… I will say that.”

The coy response only fueled the fire.

Fans and Bookies Go Wild: Janette Tops the Odds

By early 2026, Janette emerged as a frontrunner. Bookmakers slashed her odds, with some listing her alongside Zoe Ball, Amanda Holden, Fleur East, Rylan Clark, Paddy McGuinness, Alan Carr, and Holly Willoughby.

On Lorraine in January 2026, Janette and Aljaž faced the question head-on. When hosts joked about the couple duo taking over, Janette replied cryptically: “Who knows.” Aljaž chimed in: “Imagine that!”

At the Cirque du Soleil premiere, she told Woman & Home: “Who doesn’t want that job?” — a line fans interpreted as a not-so-subtle hint.

Social media erupted. One fan tweeted: “Janette knows every pro, every routine, every backstage secret. Internal promotion makes total sense!” Another: “Tess and Claudia were legends, but Janette’s energy would keep it fresh and fun!”

Insiders whisper that BBC bosses favour an “internal promotion” to maintain continuity. Janette’s experience on It Takes Two — handling live interviews, dealing with drama, and hyping routines — positions her perfectly. She’s already proven she can command the screen without missing a beat.

Why Janette Fits the Bill: The Pros and Cons

Pros stack up fast. Janette embodies Strictly’s spirit: passion for dance, warmth with celebrities, and insider knowledge that adds authenticity. Her Latin roots bring diversity, and her marriage to Aljaž keeps the pro connection alive without conflict (he could step back if needed).

She’s handled big moments gracefully — from emotional exits to judging controversies — and her bubbly personality could blend Tess’s poise with Claudia’s mischief.

But skeptics point to challenges. The main show demands handling live mishaps, celebrity egos, and prime-time pressure. It Takes Two is cosy; the main ballroom is high-stakes. Some fans worry about losing the “outsider” charm Tess and Claudia brought.

Other names linger: Zoe Ball’s Radio 2 charisma, Amanda Holden’s glamour, Fleur East’s energy (another It Takes Two alum), Rylan’s fan appeal. Yet Janette’s “Strictly royalty” status gives her an edge.

The Bigger Picture: Strictly’s Future After a Turbulent Year

Strictly 2025 was a ratings smash despite behind-the-scenes drama (contestant complaints, diversity debates). Losing Tess and Claudia risks alienating loyal viewers, but a fresh face could reinvigorate the show for 2026.

BBC execs reportedly want a duo — perhaps Janette paired with a male host like Rylan or Alan Carr — to echo the classic format. Janette’s hinted she’d love a partner gig, joking about “two people, a couple” on Lorraine.

Whatever happens, Janette’s coy responses keep hope alive. In interviews, she’s stayed diplomatic but excited: “The show means everything to me.”

Fans Demand Answers — And Janette Delivers Heart

As speculation builds, fans rally: petitions, fan art, and hashtags like #JanetteForStrictly trend. One viral post: “Janette’s been preparing for this her whole career. Make it happen, BBC!”

Janette, ever gracious, focuses on family and work — but the dream lingers. With Strictly’s return looming, the ballroom awaits its new queen.

Could Janette Manrara be the shock successor? The signs say yes — and fans are ready to cha-cha into a new era.

The glitterball spins on… and Janette might just be holding the strings.