This week sees the launch of The People’s Strictly, where ordinary members of the public take to the dancefloor.
It’s in aid of Comic Relief, with the six contestants picked because of their tireless efforts to help change the lives of others.
Strictly star Janette Manrara wants people power to rule the nation’s favourite show. And Janette has told The Sunday Post that it should be just the first of many chances for non-celebrities to be the stars.
“I’m hoping this returns and there will be plenty more of these to come,” said Janette, 31. “So many people do so many incredible things and are selfless in so many ways. For the show to be able to take six and provide them with the entire Strictly Come Dancing experience is brilliant. And the fact that it’s going to do good by being for Comic Relief is incredible.
“It’s an absolute honour to be a part of the first People’s Strictly and I hope everyone gets behind it.”
The series will be hosted by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman and the six everyday heroes will be trying to impress the show’s regular judges as well as win viewers’ votes.
Four shows will start with the contestants’ stunned reactions as they are surprised by the Strictly pros and discover they are to be the new stars of the hit series. They go through the whole fake tan and sparkly costume transition while undertaking gruelling training regimes with the regular pro dancers.
Janette is paired with 54-year-old Phil Barnett who runs a youth theatre in St Ives which has seen thousands of kids, many from disadvantaged backgrounds, being given a break in a safe environment.
Kidz R Us has raised more than £2 million through shows and events.
But Janette, who just missed out on last year’s Strictly final with EastEnder Jake Wood, says she’s cutting her new partner no slack in training for the foxtrot.
“I’ve been every bit as tough with Phil he still has to dance,” laughs Janette. “I’m a strict teacher and I’m pushing Phil as hard as I pushed Jake. But it’s such a different world for Phil that he’s giggling with excitement.
“Whether it’s first thing in the morning or the end of a hard day’s training, he’s so grateful and happy. “It makes my job so much easier.
“I started in a small musical theatre school in Miami so what Phil does reminds me so much of my own early days. I’ve been down to see the kids and it’s so inspiring.”
The series also features Dumfries dad Michael Pattie whose son Dave passed away suddenly from meningitis in 1999 at the age of just 13. Since then Michael has helped raise more than £300,000 for research. He’s paired with former glitterball champ Aliona Vilani.
Janette, who’s dating hunky pro dancer Aljaz Skorjanec, knows only too well the power of Strictly.
“It’s such a huge part of my life,” she adds. “I’m living in London now and if you’d told me three years ago I’d have moved from the States, I wouldn’t have believed it.
“I’m living the dream being on the biggest show on British TV.
“Everywhere I go people stop to talk especially when I’m with Aljaz, when some of the women aren’t shy at all in coming to speak.”
The People’s Strictly for Comic Relief, BBC One, 9pm, Wednesday Feb 25. The winner will be unveiled on Comic Relief night, March 13.
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