Strictly Come Dancing's Janette Manrara with her daughter
(Image: Janette Manrara Instagram)

BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Janette Manrara says 'don't know when' in emotional festive family update

by · Manchester Evening News

Janette Manrara has said she 'doesn't know when' she'll next be united with her extended family as she got to spend some time with her loved ones while Aljaz Skojanec was busy with Strictly Come Dancing.

The professional dancer, who is competing in the BBC One dance contest with Tasha Ghouri, usually only gets one day a week off from the show, with the live show taking place on a Saturday night followed by the results show being pre-recorded so the celebrities and dancers can have Sunday off.

But while Aljaz was recently away, Janette got the company of his sister and nieces from Slovenia, with Janette able to spend time with them and her and Aljaz's daugther, Lyra Rose.

READ MORE: BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Sarah Hadland in exit blow as she 'throws caution to the wind'

As their short but sweet trip came to an end, Janette shared a sweet picture of one-year-old Lyra alongside her cousins getting ready for Christmas.

Alongside the post on Instagram, the former Strictly pro and It Takes Two host said: "Had the most amazing few days w/ the girls visiting from #sLOVEnia. Had to get our little Christmas shoot together at home before they left. Any parent will understand, there is never 1 perfect photo, so here are a few that worked! Haha! Not sure when the girls will see each other again, but for now we have our hearts full. We love you."

One fan was quick to ask Janette in response to the post: "Do the girls speak English?. They are beautiful. Love the colour of their hair so blonde. Lyra is loving her big cousins here to play with," to which the mum-of-one revealed: "A little bit. And Lyra is slowly picking up some Slovenian."

Janette and Aljaz with Lyra
(Image: Janette Manrara Instagram)

Others, meanwhile, were quick to gush over the sweet family moment. @ilovejanettex said: "This is so special. So glad yous got to spend the time together!!!!!!" @allthingskps_ commented: "This is so cute." @singersent wrote: "Lovely photos." @ilovecats2607 replied: "Lovely photos. Enjoy these special times Janette, they grow up so fast."

@tina.marsden.12 posted: "They are gorgeous photos, memories made." @ch.erie1564 shared: "This is beautiful." @categallie typed: "How beautiful is that, all being together is amazing." @nickibech2 added: "Cousins are your first best friends, lovely."