Janette Manrara and the Strictly professionals prepare for the new series


August 25, 2016

As the excitement surrounding the new series of Strictly Come Dancing builds, it's not just the celebrities taking part who are getting into shape. The professionals are getting ready to meet the famous faces who will hopefully take them through to the final – and Janette Manrara kicked the season off with a group shot.

Sharing a photo of all the dancers together, Janette wrote: "Here we are!! So excited! @bbcstrictly starts today! Good luck to all the celebs (and us) today!"

© Photo: Twitter

Janette Manrara and the other professionals are preparing for live shows

In the past Janette, 32, has been teamed with Julian Macdonald, Jake Wood and Peter Andre, and so far has never made it to the final. But could this be her year?

The male stars Janette could be waltzing with are Ed Balls, Greg Rutherford, Ore Oduba, Will Young, Robert Rinder, Danny Mac and Melvin Odoom, but she really only has eyes for one dancer.

She and fellow professional Aljaz Skorjanec got engaged last year and plan to marry in 2017. Discussing the infamous Strictly "curse" earlier this month, Janette insisted their relationship has gotten stronger through doing the show.

© Photo: Rex

She and Aljaz Skorjanec plan to marry next year

Speaking to MailOnline, she explained: "Doing Strictly has actually brought us closer together because we understand the pressure each other is under."

And Janette insisted being a dancer is not a part-time job. She continued: "I think a lot of people assume we get packed away with the costumes and pulled out for the next season of Strictly. But we are dancers 52 weeks of the year. We do dance weekends, cruises and shows. We tour up and down the country. Strictly has opened so many doors." 

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