Strictly's Janette Manrara supported as she details heartbreaking family loss before welcoming first child
09.05.2023 - 07:31
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Strictly Come Dancing star Janette Manrara has been flooded with support from her former co-stars, celebrity pals and fans after sharing news of a devastating loss. The BBC One dance contest's former dancer, who is pregnant with her first child, confirmed her weekend had been hit by heartbreak as she learned of the death of her grandfather.
She took to Instagram on Monday (May 8) to share a video of her beloved grandfather, Miguel Angel Manrara, as she explained to her loyal followers why she had been 'quiet' on the social media platform during the Bank Holiday weekend.
"I’ve been quite this weekend because early Saturday morning I found out the sad news of the passing of my grandfather, Miguel Angel Manrara," she wrote to her fans. "He was a man full of life, hardworking, and always telling jokes and stories. When my parents were at work, he would always take me to singing, acting, dancing, whatever I needed.
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"'It’s because of me she made it!', he joked and shouted loudly w/ so much joy and pride in his heart whenever he watched me dance. He always called me his 'caballa', which means female horse. He saw my perseverance and strength to always keep pushing for my dreams. When times were tough, he always reminded me that I was 'una caballa' to keep pushing forward. It’s because of his sacrifice, and that of my grandmother and parents, that I was able to fly and make dreams comes true. We were extremely close."
The Strictly It Takes Two host heartbreakingly added: "It’s very difficult being away from my family during this time, but I will cherish forever our car journeys, the days at the beach after school, all the jokes and stories, and the love and