Strictly Come Dancing 2019: ‘So much pressure' Janette Manrara on backstage difficulties
STRICTLY COME DANCING favourites Aljaž Skorjanec and Janette Manrara have delivered a revelation about what it’s really like working behind the scenes on the popular BBC One dance competition, saying it involves “so much pressure” to create good routines and make the celebrities be the best they can be.
Strictly's Janette: There's 'huge pressure' on the professionals
Janette, 35, and 29-year-old Aljaž have had one of the best love stories on Strictly Come Dancing - meeting and marrying as a result of the BBC competition throwing them together.
But while the pair still cherish every second of the experience, particularly the fact they can do it together, the couple were open about how much “pressure” they have to endure being part of the series.
“It’s been 10 years since I did Strictly,” Lorraine guest presenter Christine Lampard began. “That music still makes me nervous.”
“It’s an ear worm, I’ve been singing it all morning,” Janette laughed.
“We’re so used to seeing you on Strictly, you’ve got your partners, it’s a competitive kind of relationship,” the Irish presenter then pressed.
Falling into her husband with the giggles, Janette insisted: “No we’re not competitive at all, they ask us that question all the time.
“And to be honest with you,” the dancer continued seriously. “There is so much pressure on the pros to just deliver good dancing, good routines, good concepts, that I think more than anything we’re each other’s support system.”
“It’s like, ‘How was your day?’” the guest demonstrated.
“At least you get each other’s issues,” Christine noted.
Aljaž then went on to share how he truly felt about the bombshell his friend and colleague Pasha Kovalev had departed the show.
There is so much pressure on the pros to just deliver good dancing
“He’s been such a huge part of this show,” the professional said. “His results, his achievements on Strictly sort of speak for themselves.
“He was incredibly supportive, incredibly kind, always a true gentleman.”
Aljaz also spilled the beans on how important it is for the newer professionals to have someone experienced to look up to on the programme.
It also means the dancers have support during training and ideas on what works best for the television format and how to get the best out of their celebrities counterparts.
He explained: “Once you get into that world, you need someone there to look up to.”
“He was always there as a guidance really, and he was incredible as that.
“We’re definitely going to miss him,” the star added.
In terms of their personal lives, the couple went on to open up about their upcoming decision to have a baby.
“Right now our careers are on such a high, and the opportunities we’ve got are so amazing,” Janette said. “Every time I see a baby I get so broody though.”
Strictly Come Dancing is expected to return to BBC One later this year.