Strictly Come Dancing’s Janette Manrara heartbroken after shock death as star posts emotional tribute
Strictly Come Dancing star Janette Manrara has opened up about her recent heartbreak over a shock death in a touching social media post.
The professional dancer, 40, took to Instagram to pay tribute to her friend Anthony 'TJ' Paradise, who died earlier this month. Sharing a picture of the property realtor, Janette wrote: "Goodbye my beautiful friend," alongside a white heart emoji.
TJ died on May 7 after battling cancer, his husband Bobby Newbury confirmed in an Instagram post of his own. "With the heaviest heart I have to let everyone know that my beautiful husband T.J. lost his four year battle with cancer on 5/4/24," Bobby wrote.
"He was surrounded by loved ones and even in this dark time there was so much light and love in the room. If you met him even once you knew how much of an impact he had on the world around him."
He continued: "Nothing will ever be the same. I had twenty and a half years of love and memories and now I have a lifetime of missing you. I love you, my sweetheart."
Janette commented on the post: "I love you Bobby. Sending all the love and light during this difficult time. May he rest in peace."
Janette and the rest of the Strictly family were dealt a major loss earlier this year when former cast member Robin Windsor tragically died aged 44 in February. His death was announced by dance company Burn The Floor, which he co-founded.
At the time, Robin's family thanked everyone for their love and support, writing: "While we understand that there is a huge public and media interest around his passing, we as a family need time to process our shock and grief.
"We ask for the needs of our family and friends to be taken into consideration and for our privacy to be respected at this difficult time."
His former Strictly colleague Kristina Rihanoff opened up about Robin's health in a tribute on Instagram after his death, speaking about the "pain and devastation" she felt and that he was "struggling more and more" before he died.
"Many of you, who went to see his farewell tour, know perfectly well that he spoke very openly about his mental health struggles and thoughts of suicide," she wrote.
"I'm sure it was heartbreaking for anyone who loved Robin to hear something like that, but those thoughts were in his head for quite many years and it's so deeply sad that he felt that he is better off in another place rather than stay here. Too much pain too much disappointment, too much neglect."
