BBC Strictly Come Dancing professional Janette Manrara has issued a heartbreaking family announcement on her social media following the loss of her grandfather, which comes just a matter of months before she is due to give birth as a first-time mum.
The 39-year-old singer and television presenter, originally from Cuba, paid a touching tribute to her late grandad following the tragic news with her 525k Instagram followers and was flooded with support from her co-stars and celebrity pals.
Janette wrote on the social media post: "I’ve been quiet this weekend because early Saturday morning I found out the sad news of the passing of my grandfather, Miguel Angel Manrara.
"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. 'It’s because of me she made it!', he joked and shouted loudly with 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."
She added: "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. 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 with me. I hope that I forever make you proud grandpa. I love you with all my heart…. Until we meet again."
Professional dancer Gorka Marquez replied: "Sending love…" And fellow star Dianne Buswell wrote: "Sorry to hear this. Sending love." Former contestant Tyler West added: "Hope you’re ok b!"
Fellow former celeb dancer Ellie Simmonds said: "Sending love and hugs." whilst Dancing On Ice judge Oti Mabuse told Janette: "Sending you love." " Luba Mushtuk commented: "Sending all the love to you and family bb."
Janette, who lives in London now following a move from the States, has been married to fellow dancer Aljaz since 2017. The BBC star quit her role as a professional dancer two years ago so she and Aljaž could try for a baby.
The couple had been about to start IVF treatment when they got the incredible news they would start their family unit naturally.
"For the past couple of years we hadn’t been using protection but nothing was happening, so we thought IVF was the next best thing for us to do," Janette told Hello! in exclusive reports, revealing their baby news.
"I turn 40 later this year and the NHS offers really good services to women under 40. The doctor said that as soon as I got my period we would start injections, but my period never came.
"I know that IVF can be really strenuous on a woman’s body and there is no guarantee it will work, so to know that this little miracle just came from a wonderful night we had together is amazing. I think the baby decided to make Mum and Dad panic a bit before saying, ‘ok, fine, I’m coming up now.'"
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