Strictly’s Janette Manrara was nervous before final return as she ‘hadn’t danced in a long time’

Janette Manrara has admitted she had ‘never been more nervous’ than during her triumphant return to Strictly Come Dancing for the show’s final on Saturday.

The ballroom professional, 38, revealed she hadn’t danced for a long time before her routine with husband Aljaz Skorjanec, 31, to Ed Sheeran’s live performance.

Appearing on Tuesday’s installment of Good Morning Britain, she said: ‘It was so special. There were definitely tears in our eyes when we finished doing that.’

She continued: ‘I don’t think I’ve ever been more nervous on Strictly Come Dancing than I was dancing with Aljaz that night.

‘I haven’t danced in a long time because I’ve been doing It Takes Two which is exciting, and other projects, but dancing is at the core of what I am.’

Luckily, her husband of four years was with her every step of the way in order to put her at ease during the episode watched by 12 million.

‘I’m a dancer, so to be able to come back and do it – not only with Aljaz, but also on the Strictly dance floor, on the Strictly final and with Ed Sheeran, it was definitely one of those pinch yourself moments that you’ll remember for the rest of your life.

‘It was a big deal to come back. I almost was like, “Oh, do I still have my dance legs? They’re still in here!”

‘There’s something about dancing with Aljaz that nothing else in the world touches, so to be able to share that with everybody on such a special night was awesome.’

EastEnders’ deaf actress Rose Ayling-Ellis and her dance partner Giovanni Pernice  lifted the glitterball as she was crowned the winner of Strictly on Saturday. 

Giving her stamp of approval, the Cuban-American star said: ‘She is probably one of the most remarkable human beings I’ve ever met.

‘As a dancer you move through listening to the music, so to see that feeling and that kind of artistry can be created with someone who cannot hear anything is just so special.

‘It goes to show you that dancing is more than just listening to a song that you like. It’s a feeling, it’s an emotion.

‘It’s a vibrancy that goes through your body and Rose is such an example to all the people who want to do something that they think is impossible.

‘To see her pick up the glitterball with Giovanni [Pernice] at the weekend – I think they are more than worthy winners – and she is the loveliest, funniest, kindest person backstage you could ever meet.

‘So not only is she brilliant on camera, behind the scenes she just lit up everybody’s day.’

On being In Slovenia with Aljaz’s family for the first time in two years, Janette explained: ‘His sister had a baby in February and we hadn’t met her yet, and last night when we landed it was very emotional.

‘The two girls and Aljaz’s sister and dad were there waiting for us and there were definitely tears. 

‘It’s a little Christmas gift for us to be here with Aljaz’s family and be with our nieces. It’s been a long time coming, so very happy to be here.’