Janette Manrara on struggle of 'parenting solo' as Aljaz returns to Strictly

Former Strictly professional Janette Manrara opened up on life as a "single working mum" while husband Aljaz Skorjanec takes part in the 2024 BBC series.

The Cuban-American television presenter appeared on ITV's Lorraine to discuss her upcoming new book, Tiny Dancer, when talk turned to her busy schedule as a mum-of-one. Janette and her champion dancer husband share one-year-old Lyra together, with the balancing act becoming a struggle for her when Strictly commitments ramp up.

Janette confessed when Aljaz is in full on training mode and living away from their Cheshire home, she is having to pick up all the pieces while promoting her new publication too.

Speaking about her daily routine, without her husband at home, Janette joked to Scottish host Lorraine Kelly: "It's like I'm a single working mum," as she delved into everything she has to deal with.

Opening up the discussion, Lorraine said:"Your gorgeous man, thank the lord is back on Strictly, if ever we needed an injection of happiness, light and joy, we need it right now, so I'm so glad he's back but you must miss him so much.

Explaining what life is like when the cameras aren't rolling, the author quipped: "At the moment, the running joke is, I feel like I'm a single working mum because because he is in London working away, getting ready for the show and I'm up north in Cheshire with Lara, doing promo, doing this."

Despite feeling the pressure of having to manage everything by herself, Janette couldn't have been happier or more supportive of him taking part in the show and was grateful he'd been given the opportunity.

The dancer added: "But do you know what, he is buzzing about being back. He keeps telling me 'I can't wait for the first show knowing that Lyra and you are going to be sat at home watching'."

Lorraine chimed in with praise for the first time parents, she said: "She's going to be watching because I know he's obsessed with his wee baby girl. I mean look at her, she's absolutely gorgeous."

The TV host was smitten when talking about babies and children after becoming a grandmother for the first time just days ago, when her daughter Rosie, welcomed her own daughter into the world.

Taking to Instagram to announce her safe arrival, Rosie shared a cute post of the newborn's tiny hand holding her finger. She penned:"Baby Billie Kelly Smith-White is here. 29-08-2024."

"It feels like she's been here the whole time and we're not quite sure what the point of anything was before. I'd heard how amazing midwives are but they are genuinely walking angels - she's been welcomed into the world with so much love already," added the new mum.

Since being back on screens after having a lengthy break over the summer, the TV star has been all smiles and bursting with pride. On Wednesday's show she was even congratulated by royal star and author Sarah Ferguson, who offered to send her newest family member a copy of her new children's book.

Lorraine airs weekdays on ITV, from 9am.