Janette Manrara has said she has 'no words' as she spoke about the friends that are 'chosen family' as they supported her latest big venture.
The dancer and presenter officially made her stage debut on Monday night (March 3) in CHICAGO. Janette revealed back in January that she'd be joining the iconic musical in the lead role of Roxie Hart as it tours across the UK.
Janette, who fans best know for being a pro on Strictly Come Dancing before becoming the co-host of spin-off show It Takes Two, took to social media ahead of her first performance as Roxie and spoke about those who supported her when she doubted herself.
Alongside a professional photo of herself as 'Roxie', the 41-year-old said: "Tonight is the night… I make my musical theatre debut as 'Roxie Hart' in @chicagoonstage!
"I am so humbled by the people around me who believed in me, worked w/ me, lifted me up when I doubted myself, and who inspired me. Tonight feels like a huge testament…. A testament that if you believe in your dreams, you work hard towards them always to make them come true, because they can. It’s never easy, but always worth it.
"This is for that little Latina from Cuban immigrant parents who never gave up and worked hard, and for anyone who has big dreams…. KEEP GOING! They can come true. As a very wonderful and wise man once said, 'All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them' - Walt Disney."
Janette continued: "To the EPIC cast I get to share this moment w/, thank you for your kindness and support in welcoming me into the show. I am in awe of every single person I get to share the stage w/ these next few months. To the gorgeous and VERY talented @faye_brookes I will keep carrying the 'Roxie Torch' strong and proud, for you and all the women who have played her before!
"To my 'Velma' @djalenga… let’s give 'em a show 'too criminal to miss'! Cannot wait to share the stage w/ you! And now…. Bring on the show! Love you all! 'Roxie'."
Now, Janette has reflected on her first performance as she was surrounded by her loved ones, including her husband Aljaz Skorjanec. Sharing a sweet picture of the pair together in her dressing room, which was filled with cards and flowers in a show of support for her new move, Janette said: "Wow. No words for last night.
"The icing on the cake would have been to have my family here to watch, but friends are also the family we choose. Thank you for coming to support me Bučko (@aljazskorjanec), and also to my agents and beautiful friends. My heart felt so full of love. What a beautiful tribe I have surrounding me."
Stirctly star Nadiya Bychkova, who was among those to watch Janette on her first night as Roxie, was quick to comment on the post, writing: "Absolutely loved watching you shine last night and living your dream. You’re incredible. Love you lots." Morning Live pal Gethin Jones replied: "Can’t wait to see it Rox!"
Heart Radio star and former Pussycat Doll Ashley Roberts also shared: "Can’t wait to see you shine." Designer Julian McDonald added: "Congratulations."
