BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Janette Manrara 'knows real friendship' thanks to co-star in gushing tribute

Janette Manrara has said she knows 'real friendship' thanks to her Strictly Come Dancing co-star. The professional dancer and TV star took to social media over the weekend with a gushing tribute to fellow dancing star Katya Jones.

Russian dancer Katya, who has starred in the BBC One dance contest since 2016, was celebrating her 35th birthday on Sunday (May 12) with Janette revealing she and her friend Aimee Fuller had organized a surprise party which the birthday girl had 'no idea' about.

Ahead of the celebrations, Janette took to social media to pay a gushing tribute to her friend as she shared a string of photos that she felt perfectly described her "very special" friend.

READ MORE: Stacey Solomon tells fans she 'feels beautiful' as she steps out of comfort zone after 'word with herself'

Join our WhatsApp Top Stories and Breaking News group by clicking this link

In the caption of the post, Janette wrote: "Today is a very special person’s birthday… @katyajones. They don’t make them like her often! She is truly one of a kind. Knowing Katya is knowing real friendship. She is the type of person that will jump through fire for you, and champions everyone always!

"A real believer in the human spirit and what our capacity for growth can be. Here are a few photos to describe just a couple of her beautiful traits: 1) Beautiul inside and out. 2) Amazing 'Auntie'. 3) Adventurous and daring. 4) Kind and generous. 5) Stylish. 6) Passionate and talented. 7) MY FRIEND!! I love you my gorgeous friend! Happy Birthday!"

And fans and followers of the pair were quick to respond to the post. @eddiemkw said: "Beautiful friendship. You are both amazing." @spectator.of.stuff commented: "Happy Birthday! This is such a lovely post by