I'd eat my hat if they opened a base from Manston.
I also don't agree with the statement from others there is too much competition at Gatwick. I think the others would be terrified of jet2 going in there - their brand is phenomenal compared to some other competitors.
As someone suggested maybe a foreign base - Dublin? Although i think the paperwork required to achieve this would massively put off Jet2.
It does seem like this might be a rumour without any foundation but it's been an interesting discussion.