Janette Manrara announced a new role on social media today (Image: Getty)
Former professional has left fans thrilled with a surprise career update this week.
Janette, aged 41 and renowned for her stint as a dancer on the hit show from 2013 to 2020, has also co-hosted the spin-off It Takes Two and performed in tours with her husband, fellow dance pro Aljaz Skorjanec.
The latest news reveals that Janette is set to embark on a tour later this year, but not just any tour she’ll be taking centre stage in a musical. She’s been cast as the lead, Roxie Hart, in a UK touring production of Chicago, a role she’s hailed as a “dream come true”.
A promotional image released this week shows Janette transformed into her character. An post from the musical’s official account on Thursday morning announced: “Extra extra! Big news for Foxy Roxie! The dazzling Janette Manrara will be joining the #ChicagoUKTour as Roxie Hart from 3rd March!”
The announcement has sparked a wave of enthusiasm among fans, with comments like: “Omg Janette. Wow. Congrats.”
She’s been met with excitement from fans over the announcement this week (Image: PA)
Another fan exclaimed: “Omg I am screaming with happiness.”
Her Strictly colleagues have also chimed in with their support. Vito Coppola extended his congratulations, Amy Dowden cheered, “Go on superstar.”
Nancy Xu expressed excitement with heart-eyed emojis, while Dianne Buswell commented, “Yesss girl so exciting. So happy for you,” and Jowita Przysta added flame emojis with the word “Slay.”
The tour of Chicago is off to a dazzling start, featuring ex- star Faye Brookes in the role of Roxie – a character famously portrayed by Renee Zellweger in the 2002 cinematic version
She’s treading the boards alongside Brenda Edwards of Loose Women and Strictly’s own Kevin Clifton, who are lighting up the stage as Matron ‘Mama’ Morton and Billy Flynn for the time being.
It has been confirmed that the trio of Faye, Brenda, and Kevin will grace select stages until March 1st, before Janette Manrara steps into the spotlight.
What’s On Stage reports that Janette will share the stage with the currently cast Djalenga Scott as Velma Kelly, Joshua Lloyd as Amos Hart, and Jordan Lee Davies playing Mary Sunshine. Casting decisions for the roles of Billy Flynn and Mama Morton following the current actors are still under wraps.
In a statement published by the media outlet, Janette expressed her elation: “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 further added her enthusiasm about collaborating with the “incredible cast” as well as the crew throughout the tour.