Strictly Come Dancing airs birthday cameo surprise for Janette Manrara

janette manrara, co host of strictly come dancing spin off it takes two
Strictly airs birthday cameo surprise for JanetteRay Burmiston - BBC

Strictly Come Dancing companion show It Takes Two aired a surprise cameo from a familiar face to celebrate host Janette Manrara's birthday.

The presenter and professional dancer kept the special day a secret during tonight's (November 16) episode of It Takes Two, but she couldn't escape her fate as costume designer Vicky Gill kickstarted the celebrations live-on-air.

After a birthday cake - in the shape of a Gliterball no less - was wheeled in by fellow stars Nigel Harman, Katya Jones, Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell, Janette remarked: "I finally got a Glitterball!"

janette manrara is surprised by a birthday cake and cast in party hats on strictly it takes two
BBC

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"Everybody at Strictly wants to wish you a massive 40th birthday," said Dianne. "We love you and we're not the only ones - your family wanted to send you this."

The montage included a clip of Janette’s husband Aljaž Škorjanec with their daughter Lyra, with the former Strictly star saying: "Hello mummy! We wanted to wish you a happy birthday. Lots of love and happiness - we are so proud of you.

"You are an amazing mum and a beautiful wife. 40 has never looked better - I'm so sorry, I shouldn't have said the age. But we can't wait to have you come home so we can give you a cuddle after you smash the show. Don't forget - keep dancing!"

The video also included clips of Janette's family dancing, with the host adding: "Oh my god! This is the best way to spend my birthday, isn't it? On It Takes Two, talking about Strictly and this cake. Thank you everybody so much - I will have it all to myself!"

janette is surprised on strictly as husband aljaz sends a birthday message holding baby lyra
BBC

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Janette wasn't the only one impressed with the heartfelt gesture, with several fans remarking on the sweet cake and video: "Happy birthday Janette! Loving the sparkly dessert trolley!" wrote one fan.

"I would like to wish Janette Manrara a very happy 40th birthday. She looks incredible, she looks way younger. I miss her as a Strictly pro dancer," added another viewer.

Strictly Come Dancing airs on Saturdays and Sundays on BBC One, while spin-off Strictly: It Takes Two airs on weeknights on BBC Two. Both shows are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

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