PURE JOY MOMENT: Janette Manrara melted hearts after sharing an adorable update with Aljaž Škorjanec, declaring “this is what it’s about” in a post that has fans swooning. Read more
The former Strictly pro turned beloved TV presenter, 41, couldn’t contain her joy as she shared a heartwarming glimpse into life on the road with her Slovenian dancer hubby and their two-year-old daughter Lyra-Rose – proving that even amid the glitz, glamour and gruelling schedule of the nationwide arena spectacular, nothing beats precious family moments.
In the sweet social media post that’s already racking up thousands of likes and comments, Janette posted a candid video clip capturing the magic of touring as a family of three.
Little Lyra, now a lively toddler with her mum’s infectious smile and dad’s twinkling eyes, is seen giggling and clapping along from the wings as her parents dazzle on stage – a scene so wholesome it had fans reaching for the tissues.
‘This is what it’s about,’ Janette captioned the clip simply, adding a string of heart emojis that said more than words ever could.
The update comes as the Strictly Come Dancing – The Professionals Live tour (rebranded for 2026 as the full live experience) kicks off its massive UK run, with Janette and Aljaž back in their element performing jaw-dropping routines to packed arenas.
But for the couple, who’ve been fan favourites since meeting on the Burn the Floor dance show years ago, the real highlight isn’t the applause or the sequins – it’s having Lyra there to witness it all.
‘Watching her watch us dance, her little face lighting up… that’s everything,’ a source close to the pair revealed. ‘Janette and Aljaž have always said family comes first, and this tour is letting them live that dream.’
Fans were quick to agree, flooding the comments with messages of love.
‘This is the cutest thing I’ve seen all week! Lyra is stealing the show already,’ one wrote.
Another added: ‘You two are couple goals AND parents goals. This is what life’s really about ❤️’
The post perfectly encapsulates the couple’s journey from Strictly sweethearts to doting parents.
Janette and Aljaž first crossed paths in the high-energy dance production Burn the Floor, where sparks flew despite the long-distance challenges – she in the US, he in Europe.
Their romance blossomed into one of showbiz’s most enduring love stories, culminating in not one, not two, but three stunning weddings in 2017: a romantic ceremony in Florida, a traditional celebration in Slovenia, and a glamorous London bash for friends and family.
After years of open discussions about starting a family – including honest admissions about fertility struggles that resonated with so many fans – the couple welcomed their miracle daughter Lyra-Rose in July 2023.
The announcement was pure joy: a black-and-white photo of tiny feet, captioned with tears of happiness.
Since then, Janette has been refreshingly real about motherhood – sharing the highs (first steps, first words) and the lows (sleepless nights, the emotional pull of work commitments).
As host of BBC Two’s Strictly spin-off It Takes Two alongside Fleur East during the main series, she’s juggled late nights in the studio with early mornings as a mum.
Aljaž, meanwhile, returned to the Strictly pro line-up after a brief hiatus, dazzling viewers once more with his technical brilliance and boyish charm.
But the live tour marks a special chapter: for the first time, Lyra gets to tag along on the adventure.
Insiders say the toddler is thriving backstage – charming the entire cast and crew with her endless energy and cheeky grins.
‘She’s got the dance genes for sure,’ one tour member laughed. ‘She’ll be twirling around the dressing rooms like a mini pro.’
The update arrives at a time when Strictly itself is riding high, with the 2025 series wrapping up amid record ratings and the 2026 live shows already selling out venues.
Janette stepped away from competing years ago to focus on presenting, but her passion for dance never faded – and sharing it with her family has added an extra layer of magic.
‘We’ve waited so long for this life,’ Janette has said in past interviews. ‘The glitter, the routines, the travel – it’s incredible, but coming home to Lyra, or having her here with us… that’s the real win.’
Aljaž echoed the sentiment, often posting his own sweet snaps of daddy-daughter moments – from piggyback rides around the arena to quiet cuddles before showtime.
Their joint posts are a reminder that behind the professional polish, they’re just like any other parents trying to balance career dreams with family life.
And fans can’t get enough.
‘Seeing Lyra grow up in this world of dance is so special,’ one follower commented. ‘You guys are creating the best memories.’
Another wrote: ‘This made me smile so big. Thank you for sharing these real, beautiful moments.’
The couple’s openness has endeared them even more to the public.
Whether it’s Janette’s tearful goodbyes when Lyra travels with dad, or their honest chats about the chaos of parenting toddlers on tour, they keep it relatable.
No filters, no pretence – just genuine love.
As the tour rolls on – hitting major cities from Manchester to London and beyond – expect more adorable updates.
Because if this glimpse is anything to go by, ‘this is what it’s about’ isn’t just a caption.
It’s their whole philosophy: love, family, dance, and cherishing every single second.
In a world that moves fast, Janette and Aljaž are slowing down just enough to savour the giggles, the hugs, and the tiny dancer in their midst.
And honestly? We wouldn’t have it any other way.
Cue the collective awww from living rooms across the UK.