Strictly pro praised for "dazzle" as spin-off It Takes Two host

Former Strictly Come Dancing pro Janette Manrara has made a dazzling debut as the new co-host of spin-off series It Takes Two.

Manrara was joined on Monday's episode of the BBC Two series by Rylan Clark-Neal, who was returning to telly after taking a lengthy break from the spotlight to deal with personal issues.

The duo were ready to recap a very exciting first live show from the BBC ballroom over the weekend, where John Whaite and Johannes Radebe as well as Adam Peaty and Katya Jones both dominated the leaderboard with 30 points each. AJ Odudu and Kai Widdrington led overall with 34.

Opening the show with a Latin dance, Rylan then welcomed Janette as she made her co-hosting debut.

BBC

"It feels so good to be here with a new series, and a new leading lady, ladies and gentleman," he announced. "When I found out you were joining the show, and we had a meet-up and got to know each other, I'm so thrilled you are here. Are you enjoying it?"

"I am so excited. It's finally happening. We are here," Janette replied.

The pro dancer received enthusiastic support from Strictly: It Takes Two viewers for her bubbly banter with guests:

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Unfortunately, the two won't be together on the show going forward, as Rylan is set to host on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays while Janette takes over on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

It was announced in June that Janette Manrara would be retiring from active competition in Strictly in order to break down all of the weekly performances on It Takes Two. She is replacing Zoe Ball.

Announcing her new gig on The One Show, she explained: "One of my favourite parts of doing Strictly has always been to sit down on that couch and just chat away. it's the most fun.

"I remember meeting Zoe, gosh that was eight years ago now when I did the first It Takes Two sit-down.

BBC

"[I was] thinking, 'This is the coolest job ever. You get to sit down, talk about dancing, make people feel good and celebrate their successes on the show'.

"I did say, 'One day I would love to do that', and it's here, here we are!"

Strictly Come Dancing 2021 continues next Saturday (October 2) on BBC One.