SHOCKING Cast Shake-Up: Janette Manrara and Fleur East ‘Axed’ From It Takes Two Amid Strictly’s Drastic Overhaul? BBC Responds

Janette on It Takes Two

The rumour mill is spinning out of control, and the fallout from Strictly Come Dancing‘s 2026 season is already creating shockwaves in the entertainment world. In what can only be described as a brutal, jaw-dropping shake-up, Janette Manrara and Fleur East were said to have been “axed” from the beloved spin-off show It Takes Two. But wait—BBC is here to shut down the scandalous claims with a swift denial. So, what’s the truth behind this storm of speculation?

The Unexpected “Axe”: Did Janette and Fleur Really Get the Boot? 🥀

BBC One - Strictly Come Dancing - Janette Manrara
Reports from The Sun have set the internet ablaze. The tabloid recently claimed that, amidst a Strictly cast cull, both Janette Manrara and Fleur East were told their services were no longer required. This shocking revelation sent fans into a frenzy, fearing that one of Strictly’s most beloved spin-offs would lose two of its stars. The headline screamed: Bloodbath Continuing As Major Shake-Up Hits It Takes Two—and it was clear the drama was just getting started.

Industry insiders spoke of a real drive behind the scenes to “usher in a fresh era” for the show following months of public drama. “Nobody feels safe right now,” a source told The Sun, fueling the flames of speculation. But just when it seemed like things couldn’t get more intense, BBC swooped in to address the chaos.

BBC Denies The ‘Axe’—Is There a Bigger Secret Behind the Curtain? 👀

Strictly's Janette Manrara: 'I feel British... I feel connected to this  country' | Celebrity News | Showbiz & TV | Express.co.uk
The BBC has responded with a definitive statement to put the fire out, calling the reports “factually incorrect.” In their official statement, a spokesperson declared: “It is factually incorrect to claim that either has been ‘axed’. Plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be confirmed in due course.”

And just like that, the storm of speculation was momentarily quelled. But let’s be real—how many times have we seen the BBC step in to deny shocking claims, only for new revelations to emerge later? Strictly fans know better than anyone that there’s always something bubbling beneath the surface.

A Year of Change: Who’s Really Leaving Strictly? 🌪️
While Janette and Fleur may have dodged the axe for now, the biggest question remains: Who else is set to exit Strictly in 2026? Behind the scenes, the whispers of major changes to the Strictly team have been getting louder. For starters, It Takes Two itself is experiencing a shake-up of its own. Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly, Strictly’s much-loved presenting duo, are set to be replaced—leaving fans wondering who could possibly fill their legendary shoes.

As if that wasn’t enough, there have been murmurs that some of the show’s professional dancers will be bidding farewell to the glittering world of Strictly. Names like Kayta Jones, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, Michelle Tsiakkas, and Nadiya Bychkova have all been linked to the mass exodus—could it be true?

And then, in a twist that has left fans reeling, Karen Hauer—Strictly’s longest-serving female professional dancer—announced that she was stepping down from the show. After weeks of intense speculation, Karen shared an emotional video, confirming that her departure was her decision. “I will never stop dancing,” she vowed, breaking the hearts of fans everywhere.

The Pressure Mounts: A New Era for Strictly? 🔥

Strictly's Janette Manrara in tears as she opens up on 'tough' journey |  Wales Online
It’s clear: Strictly Come Dancing 2026 is gearing up for a massive transformation. Whether it’s new hosts, new dancers, or fresh faces all around, the show is undergoing an overhaul of epic proportions. And while it might be painful for fans who have grown attached to the familiar faces, there’s no denying that change is in the air.

Will the BBC deliver on its promise to rejuvenate the show for a fresh era? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure—the Strictly franchise is about to look a lot different.

As the drama continues to unfold, fans are eagerly waiting to see who will remain and who will exit the spotlight. Could Janette and Fleur really be safe? Or is this just the beginning of an even more shocking revelation?

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to track the latest developments in the Strictly saga. 💫