Strictly Come Dancing's spin-off show It Takes Two has officially announced its new host: comedian Ellie Taylor, 42. The announcement comes after Fleur East, 38, and Janette Manrara, 42, were both dropped from the programme, with Manrara emotionally confirming she is 'no longer a part' of the show. Reports had indicated that executives considered the BBC Two show, which airs weeknights following the main BBC One programme, to be 'boring'.
Ellie Taylor will present new episodes every weeknight, offering behind-the-scenes details on the popular dancing competition. She was heavily rumoured for the role, having competed on Strictly in 2022 with professional dancer Johannes Radebe, finishing in seventh place. Taylor previously appeared as a contestant and was praised for her infectious personality.
Taylor's Excitement and Reaction
In a statement, Taylor said: 'What a total joy to return to Strictly in this new role. I feel incredibly honoured to follow in the footsteps of the phenomenal line-up of hosts who've made Strictly – It Takes Two so loved over the years. I can't wait to immerse myself in all the gossip and sequins flying out of the ballroom in order to bring my fellow Strictly fans everything they need to know. I'm so excited, I could cha cha! (But I won't – don't worry… no one needs to see that again.)'
A source previously told The Sun: 'Ellie was hugely popular with viewers when she appeared as a contestant on Strictly in 2022, and her infectious personality was also a hit with the senior production team.'
New Host Line-Up and BBC Response
The rumours proved true, and Taylor will join new hosts Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe for the upcoming series. Helen Munson, BBC Commissioning Editor, added: 'We'd like to say a huge thank you to the brilliant Janette Manrara and Fleur East, who've been a massive part of It Takes Two's continued success over the years. It Takes Two is a joy to make and we're so proud to have it on the BBC every autumn. As we embark on what will be an incredibly exciting new series of Strictly, we can't wait to be there every step of the way.'
It Takes Two has been a staple of the show since its launch in 2004, originally hosted by Claudia Winkleman before she became a co-host of the main series. The programme continues to air on BBC Two, providing fans with daily updates and interviews throughout the competition.
Impact and Next Steps
The change in hosting comes as the BBC prepares for a new series of Strictly Come Dancing, with the full 2026 line-up already announced. The addition of Taylor, Willis, Widdicombe, and Radebe signals a fresh direction for It Takes Two, aiming to reinvigorate its format. Fans can expect the new hosting team to bring their own styles to the show, with Taylor's comedic background likely to add a new dynamic to the nightly programme.
