Inside Strictly stars’ wild double birthday with shots, dancing and the splits
Strictly Come Dancing stars Gemma Atkinson and Janette Manrara celebrated their birthdays in a joint bash - and they went all out for the occasion. Gemma - who appeared on Strictly in 2017 - was marking her milestone 40th birthday, while Janette - who was a professional dancer on the BBC show from 2013 to 2021 before becoming host of spin-off It Takes Two - turned 41.
Documenting the wild night on Instagram, Gemma - who looked incredible in a mini silver sequin dress and tights - shared a string of snaps from the party, which featured dancing, shots and even the splits. Poking fun at herself, she wrote: "Never a good idea! We said all week 'no shots' we didn’t stick to it and because of that this happened. Thank the lord I had tights on."
Referring to her doing the splits, the star, who is engaged to Strictly professional Gorka Márquez, added: "Before seeing all the pics i said to Gorka in the morning. 'Im not sure why, but my hamstring is wrecking me today.'"
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Janette, who stunned in a black top and burgundy leather skirt, also shared some pictures from the evening, which showed the pair dancing before breaking out into the splits. The caption read: "Happy Birthday, Birthday Twin!! What a party on Saturday night! You’ll love 40! 41 is feeling good so far! Thank you for the most EPIC celebration! So kind of you to throw me a party on your 40th! P.S. We will always have our splits!"
Their Strictly pals rushed to the comment section, with dancer Carlos Gu writing: "Fireeeeee." Make-up artist Lisa Armstrong said: "Brilliant babes!!!" while host Tess Daly commented two laughing faces and a heart eyes emoji. Ashley Roberts also said: "There she is," and Amy Dowden added: "Love these."
Gemma and Janette's birthdays both fall on 16 November. In a sweet tribute to Gemma, Gorka, 34, who shares children Mia, five, and Thiago, one, with the star, wrote on Instagram: "HAPPYBIRTHDAY baby!!!! 40 never looked better to me. I was supposed to get you a gift but I am the one who got it.
"Can’t wait to celebrate your big day with you. Thank you for all what you do for our little Famila. We love you so much!!’ As if you are freakin 40."
Meanwhile, Aljaž Škorjanec, who returned to Strictly this year following a two-year break, also publicly wished his wife Janette a happy birthday. Alongside a throwback picture, he wrote: "Happy Birthday Bučka! You are the best! I love you." The couple got married in 2017 and welcomed their first child, daughter Lyra, in July 2023.
Gemma and Janette grew close after Gemma was partnered with Aljaž on Strictly in 2017. They have remained pals ever since, and the couples often meet up and spend time together. Gemma and Janette also gave birth to their children just days apart.
