Janette Manrara, the immensely talented star of the renowned TV show “Strictly Come Dancing,” has entered a new chapter of her life as she welcomes her first child with her dance partner and loving husband, Aljaž Škorjanec. The 39-year-old dancer took to the virtual world, Instagram, to share the overwhelming joy of her first-born’s arrival. A poignant black and white photograph accompanied her ecstatic announcement, capturing the tender moment when Janette lay in a hospital bed, cradling her daughter, Lyra Rose Skorjanec, while Aljaž’s beaming hands rested gently on both of them. The world welcomed little Lyra on a blessed day, July 28, 2023.
Amidst a wave of happiness and blessings, friends and co-stars of the couple hurried to convey their heartfelt congratulations. Gemma Atkinson, a former Strictly contestant and dear friend, found the right words with a simple yet powerful “Just wonderful,” while James Jordan, another dancing virtuoso from the Strictly family, sent his love and best wishes from himself and his partner, the Jordans.
A familiar face from the Strictly stage, Lisa Riley, who once graced the show in 2012, also added her warmest congratulations. In her message, she assured Janette and Aljaž that their precious Lyra will be enveloped in endless love from her adoring parents. The passionate pro dancer, Amy Dowden, couldn’t help but marvel at the perfection of the moment, and the former Strictly judge, Arlene Phillips, chimed in with her own heartfelt sentiments, predicting a future filled with love and joy for the newly expanded family.
The name Janette and Aljaž carefully selected for their baby girl, Lyra, holds a beautiful connection to their shared love of dance and music. With Greek origins, the name draws inspiration from the mythical lyre of Orpheus, an instrument so enchanting that its melody could move animals, trees, and even the divine. Bestowed upon music-loving parents as a celestial gift, the name Lyra will serve as a constant reminder to their daughter to reach for the stars.
Janette and Aljaž’s journey towards parenthood had been marked by determination and hope. Tying the knot in 2017, they ardently pursued their dream of starting a family for over two years before receiving the long-awaited news of their pregnancy. Amidst the excitement, Janette lovingly praised her husband, acknowledging him as a “complete super dad” who embraced every moment of their “miracle” pregnancy with tears of joy. She humorously remarked that Aljaž’s devotion to their baby was so profound that he would willingly breastfeed her if possible.
Prior to the pregnancy revelation, Janette had expressed concerns about the prospects of becoming a mother as she approached her 40th birthday, even contemplating the option of IVF treatment. However, destiny had an enchanting twist in store for the couple, as they discovered the precious life growing within Janette.
Settling into their new home in Cheshire, close to their dear friends and fellow Strictly stars, Gorka Marquez and Gemma Atkinson, the expectant couple embarked on a cherished babymoon in Aljaž’s homeland, Slovenia.
While taking time off for maternity leave, Janette’s hosting role on the popular spin-off show “It Takes Two” was seamlessly filled by the talented Helen Skelton. Now, with unwavering determination, Janette is set to make her triumphant return, resuming her hosting duties alongside the sensational Fleur East, who was recently revealed as Rylan’s replacement.
With immense love and unwavering support from their beloved Strictly family and devoted fans, Janette and Aljaž are ready to embrace the captivating journey of parenthood, dancing through life’s most treasured moments with their precious daughter, Lyra Rose Skorjanec.