Strictly Come Dancing star admits 'it's been a minute' as she returns to BBC show

Strictly Come Dancing's Janette Manrara graced BBC Morning Live with her presence once again, expressing her delight at returning to the show.

The 41-year-old dance maestro, a familiar face on the popular chat show, had previously taken a hiatus earlier this year, which she announced to her fans via social media.

Janette, also known for co-hosting the Strictly spin-off It Takes Two with Fleur East, made a sparkling comeback to Morning Live, joining presenters Gethin Jones and Michelle Ackerley to dish on all things Strictly and lead the show's Strictly fitness feature.

Michelle Ackerley enthusiastically heralded Janette's return, saying, "Back in the building is Janette Manrara, bringing the Strictly sparkle to the studio."

Janette joyfully responded, "You're welcome, everybody. I'm very happy to be back. It's been a minute," reports Wales Online.

The conversation quickly pivoted to the much-anticipated Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special set to broadcast on Christmas day. Michelle added: "We've got to speak about the Strictly special, haven't I? The line-up has been announced, and it's a good bunch."

Janette couldn't hide her excitement, replying: "It's a really good line-up for the Strictly Christmas special and clearly I'm excited already because I came in the red tights. But look at them, they have no idea what they have signed up for, they have no idea what is coming."

The television personality noted: "Although Tayce seems quite competitive doesn't she, so we will see." Gethin chimed in: "It's a proper fast track."

Janette confessed: "I always say to them when they do the Christmas special, it's a little tasker of what is to come if you do the real show someday."

The Strictly Christmas episode is a festive favourite for many. It transforms the BBC ballroom into a winter wonderland just weeks after the celebrity has lifted the Glitter Ball trophy in the main series.

In a few months, viewers will watch Josh Widdicombe, Tayce, Vogue Williams, Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Tamzin Outhwaite, and Billy Monger compete for the 2024 crown. However, there is no public vote at home, and the show is pre-recorded, leaving the decision of who will walk away with the big win up to the judges.

Stars from the festive series often go on to appear in the main series of the show. This year's contestant, Jamie Borthwick, previously won the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special with professional dancer Nancy Xu, while JB Gill was victorious in 2012.

Morning Live airs weekdays at 9.30am on BBC One.