Today we’re in South London’s Burgess Park with television presenter, choreographer and professional dancer Janette Manrara - and we have a very special bonus guest - her daughter Lyra!

Janette is best known for appearing as a professional dance on Strictly Come Dancing - and since 2021 she has co-hosted Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two! Janette is married to her Strictly co-star Aljaž Škorjanec and their daughter Lyra was born in July 2023 - we think she was pretty taken by Raymond (and the geese!) 

Janette has a history with dogs back at home in Miami - but life as a performing family means that she doesn’t have a dog at the moment… but there may be one in the future! 

After her family immigrated from Cuba to Miami, Janette tells us about being a happy child in a happy household and how that gave her a positive outlook on life. She tells the story of how she went from working in a bank to becoming a professional dancer - and what happened when she met Aljaž for the first time… was it love at first sight?! 

Tiny Dancer, Big World: How to Find Fulfilment from the Inside Out is out on Thursday 12th September - you can buy your copy here

Follow Janette on Instagram @JManara

Follow Emily: 

Instagram - @emilyrebeccadean

X - @divine_miss_em

Walking The Dog is produced by Faye Lawrence

Music: Rich Jarman 

Artwork: Alice Ludlam

Photography: Karla Gowlett 

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