Janette Manrara has been showered with love and encouragement from fans and friends after 

opening up about a deeply emotional moment in her journey as both a mother and a performer.

The Strictly Come Dancing star and television presenter recently shared her feelings about an upcoming transition in her life, leaving many of her supporters touched by her honesty.

A New Stage Awaits

Janette, who is widely adored for her work on Strictly, is preparing for an exciting new challenge.

Earlier this month, she announced that she would be stepping into the world of musical theatre, making her stage debut as the iconic Roxie Hart in Chicago.

The celebrated musical will be embarking on a UK tour, with performances starting in March at The Lowry in Salford and continuing through to August 2025.

Expressing her enthusiasm for the role, Janette described it as a “dream come true,” sharing her excitement about bringing her own interpretation of Roxie Hart to the stage. She also expressed gratitude for the opportunity, calling Chicago one of the best musicals of all time and looking forward to dazzling audiences with her performance.

Tears and Tough Realizations

While the excitement of her new role is undeniable, Janette has also been coming to terms with the challenges that will accompany this major career move. As rehearsals intensify, she has found herself reflecting on the time she will be spending away from her family—particularly her and husband Aljaž Škorjanec’s young daughter, Lyra Rose.

Taking to social media, Janette shared a heartfelt moment, posting a smiling picture of herself holding the Chicago script alongside a deeply emotional video. In the clip, she was seen cradling her baby girl, tears welling in her eyes as she considered the reality of missing out on special moments while touring.

She revealed that she broke down while holding Lyra, realizing how few of these quiet, precious moments she will have with her daughter this summer due to her demanding schedule. The admission struck a chord with many working parents who understand the delicate balance between pursuing a passion and being present for family.

Finding Strength in Community

Janette’s post wasn’t just about her own experiences—it also served as a message of solidarity for other parents facing similar struggles. She shared a recent conversation with a man who told her how much he and his wife appreciated her honesty about both the joys and difficulties of parenting.

Her words resonated with many as she acknowledged the guilt that often comes with being a working parent. However, she reminded herself—and others—that providing a wonderful life for children isn’t just about time spent together but also about setting an example of perseverance and following one’s dreams.

She emphasized that both she and Aljaž are fortunate to do what they love while supporting each other, and that their daughter is growing up in a household where passion and determination are celebrated. Janette also extended her encouragement to another mother, Anna, who is preparing to return to work as a primary school teacher after maternity leave.

A Wave of Support

Janette’s heartfelt post quickly sparked an outpouring of support from her friends, fellow Strictly professionals, and fans. Many of her colleagues and celebrity pals reassured her that she was doing an incredible job as both a mother and a performer.

Former Coronation Street actress Catherine Tyldesley shared a touching message, reminding Janette that her daughter will be incredibly proud of her. She encouraged Janette to continue shining both for herself and for Lyra, adding that the time they do get to share will be even more special.

Chyna Mills, known from Love Island, echoed the sentiment, expressing confidence that Lyra would always be proud of her mother’s accomplishments. Fellow Strictly dancers Nadiya Bychkova and Nancy Xu also joined in, offering their love and encouragement.

A Bright Future Ahead

Despite the emotional challenges of balancing work and family life, Janette’s passion for performing remains strong. As she prepares to take center stage in Chicago, she is embracing the support of those around her while acknowledging the bittersweet realities of her journey.

With her dedication, talent, and the unwavering love of her family, Janette Manrara is proving that it is possible to chase dreams while being a devoted parent. And as she steps into the role of Roxie Hart, she will undoubtedly bring the same grace and charisma that have made her a beloved figure in the entertainment world.