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 wisdom he always shared w/ me."
She rounded off her post by sweetly typing: "I hope that I forever make you proud grandpa. I love you with all my heart…. Until we meet again." And the messages of condolences soon came flooding in.
Gorka Marquez said: "Sending love…" Dianne Buswell wrote: "Sorry to hear this. Sending love." Luba Mushtuk commented: "Sending all the love to you and family bb." Kiss FM DJ Tyler West posted: "Hope you’re ok b!" Retired paralympic swimmer Ellie Simmonds replied: "Sending love and hugs."
Former Strictly star Oti Mabuse typed: "Sending you love." Pussycat Doll and Heart FM star Ashley Roberts added: "Sending so much love."
@strictly_jaljaz shared: "Aww Janette this breaks my heart, sending both you and your family all the love in the world. RIP." @chloe.doesdisney commented: "Awwh bless you, sending lots of love and hugs! " @strictly_fanx added: "This honestly breaks my heart & I’m sending all my love to you & your family."
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