Speculation Surrounds New Presenters for Strictly
The highly anticipated search for new presenters on the popular BBC show, Strictly, has sparked widespread interest among fans. With Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman stepping down, there are numerous names being floated as potential replacements. Among them are Holly Willoughby, Alan Carr, and Zoe Ball, each bringing their unique flair to the table.
However, one of the show’s longest-serving professionals, Katya Jones, has expressed her belief that Janette Manrara would be an excellent fit for one of the presenting roles. Speaking to The Mail on Sunday, Katya highlighted Janette’s deep understanding of the dance world, suggesting she could bring a fresh perspective to the role.
Janette Manrara: A Natural Fit?
Janette, who was a professional dancer on Strictly until 2021, has since presented the spin-off show, It Takes Two. Her experience with the show and her connection to its history make her a strong contender. She previously hosted It Takes Two from 2004 before passing the baton to Zoe Ball in 2012.
Her familiarity with the show’s inner workings has led to her name being frequently mentioned in the speculation. Bookmakers have even placed her at odds of 3-1, indicating a strong likelihood of her being considered for the role.
Other Contenders for the Role
In addition to Janette, other names have been suggested for the presenting role. These include Alex Jones, Bradley Walsh, Stacey Dooley, Kevin Clifton, Alex Scott, and Roman Kemp. Each of these individuals brings a different set of skills and experiences that could contribute to the success of the show.
Katya herself joined Strictly in 2016 for its 14th series and won the competition the following year alongside Joe McFadden. This year, she is paired with Lewis Cope, whose performance has captured the attention of both the judges and the audience.
Lewis Cope: A New Challenge
Lewis Cope, an Emmerdale actor, has faced some criticism since his dance background was revealed during the launch show. He joined the show at the last minute after Game of Thrones star Kristian Nairn withdrew due to injury. During a pre-recorded segment, Lewis admitted he had been dancing since the age of 10, even landing a role in Billy Elliot in London's West End.
Despite the backlash, Lewis has addressed the situation, emphasizing that his experience as a dancer was long ago and that he has since trained as an actor. He acknowledged that it is out of his hands what the viewers think, but he remains focused on delivering his best performance.
A Unique Performance
Lewis and Katya delivered a stunning performance that left the judges in awe. Motsi Mabuse was left on her feet, while Craig Revel Horwood called it "Spooktacular." Motsi added that it was "out of this world," and Shirley Ballas was moved to tears as she thanked his family for allowing him to pursue his dreams.
Anton Du Beke praised the performance, calling it the best of the series by a "million miles." His comments highlight the impact of Lewis’s performance and the excitement it generated among the audience.
Lewis’s Background
Growing up in Hartlepool with 13 siblings, Lewis left home at just 10 years old to live in London and pursue his career in performing. He often misses his family, especially his Nanna Dot, and is determined to make them proud.
Lewis’s diverse dance past includes his time in the group Ruff Diamond, which represented the UK at the 2013 World Hip Hop Dance Championships in Las Vegas. He left the group in 2015 to study acting at the prestigious Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.
Future Prospects
With his unique background and talent, Lewis is well-positioned to make an impact on Strictly. His journey from the stage to the dance floor has been nothing short of remarkable, and fans are eager to see how he will perform in the upcoming weeks.
As the competition continues, all eyes will be on Lewis and his partner Katya, hoping they can deliver more unforgettable performances and potentially claim the title of Strictly champions.
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