BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Janette Manrara speaks out on ex partner's injury and show exit

-Credit: (Image: BBC)
-Credit: (Image: BBC)


Strictly Come Dancing's Janette Manrara has opened up regarding the 'life-changing' injuries her former dance partner Will Bayley suffered on the show, revealing "it was hard".

Paralympian table tennis champion Will Bayley recounted the intense pain he faced after a rehearsal mishap while participating in the 2019 series. Speaking of the incident, Bayley told the BBC: "I said, 'I'm not sure I can land safely', but everyone assured me I would be fine."

Bayley, who lives with arthrogryposis affecting all four limbs, alleged that Manrara insisted he repeat the jump because his initial attempt was "rubbish", which allegedly led to his injury.

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After tearing his anterior cruciate ligament on Strictly, Bayley underwent reconstructive knee surgery in January last year, following which he gained weight and battled depression.

Janette Manrara recently discussed the eventful departure from the show due to the injury in an interview with Closer magazine, expressing: "It was hard for both of us to have to leave the competition in the way that we did. Nobody wants to leave the competition with an injury, especially when we were doing so well," reports the Manchester Evening News.

Admitting the frustration and severe consequences Bayley experienced post-Strictly, she added, "So of course, he felt frustration, and there were massive repercussions that he had from everything that happened on Strictly. We are still great friends."

Manrara indicated that since Bayley spoke out, the duo had conversed and she mentioned in her chat with Closer that they "know in our hearts" that they made an "amazing team".

Janette Manrara and Aljaz Skorjanec
Janette Manrara and Aljaz Skorjanec

This year, the BBC has unveiled a raft of changes for Strictly Come Dancing, such as welfare officers for professionals and contestants, as well as chaperones to oversee rehearsals. Meanwhile, Manrara expressed feeling "like a single mum" due to her husband Aljaz Skorjanec's commitment to the programme.

Speaking to Closer, she explained: "I feel like a single mum at the moment, if I'm honest. Aljaz held the realm last year so I could work, hosting It Takes Two and the Strictly Live tour.

"It's a massive puzzle with Aljaz being back on Strictly, and planning is crucial. Aljaz's schedule is hectic - it's a seven-day-a-week job when you're a professional on that show - and it's going to be so intense once the series starts."