Janette Manrara has delivered a sincere apology to her fans after being forced to make an eleventh-hour decision concerning her planned theatrical performance in Blackpool. The Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer, stage artist and TV presenter was due to grace the stage once more in Chicago as the show carried on at Blackpool's Winter Gardens on Wednesday night (July 23). Followers will remember that Janette made her West End debut in the musical back in March, taking on the iconic role of Roxie Hart. She later performed the part in venues throughout the country before stepping away temporarily and then returning last month. Nevertheless, sharing on Instagram just hours before her anticipated show, through a written statement, Janette disclosed that she would no longer be appearing on stage as originally planned due to illness.

Speaking to her admirers, the Strictly Come Dancing star said: "It takes a lot for me to miss a show, so to anyone coming to Blackpool tonight, I am deeply sorry. I am unwell and must rest to recover quickly and be back on stage. The cast is absolutely phenomenal so the show will be as magical as it always is. I'm on the mend now and hoping to be back ASAP. Love you all, Jxxx."

Those who track Janette on social media will have observed the celebrity was feeling under the weather as she shared a video message on Tuesday night (July 22).

She disclosed to her supporters, after completing a gruelling double-show day with Chicago, that she was grappling with an eye infection.

Her right eye was visibly causing her discomfort, as she found it difficult to open it completely compared to her left.

Janette confided in her admirers: "Just back to my flat after our second show in Blackpool and as you can see, this eye's fully functioning. This one, however.... She's got an eye infection. Look at that," offering them a detailed view of her ailment.

This follows Janette's delight at returning to the coastal resort, which remains a cornerstone for Strictly thanks to its yearly spectacular.

The 41 year old, who hosts Strictly's companion show It Takes Two, revealed to the Blackpool Gazette: "Blackpool's one of my favourite places in the UK.

"We go there every year with Strictly and it always lands around my birthday, so I've celebrated more birthdays there than anywhere else. Normally, I'm here in November, so to explore it in July is a real treat.

"I definitely want to take the cast to the Tower for afternoon tea and a dance. I've told them they have to see the ballroom with the big organ."