Ellie Taylor, the newly announced host of Strictly It Takes Two, has responded to a social media user who accused her of having 'ruined every show she's been on' and claimed the BBC 'haven't got a clue'. The comedian's appointment was revealed last week, with Taylor taking over from Fleur East, 38, who was axed alongside Janette Manrara, 42, in a presenter shake-up.
Backlash and Response
The criticism emerged after Taylor appeared on BBC Radio 2 with Emma Willis. A social media user, flyboy1972, commented: 'Unsure of why they feel they need to completely overhaul the current format of the show. It’s a much loved and solid show with fans enjoying the dancers, presenters and format. All these changes may be one step too far.'
Another user, @lizzibrodie, added: 'Because they haven’t got a clue. What’s the saying if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. Emma, Josh and now this non funny person who has ruined every show she’s been on. The pottery show, the baking show, wasn’t she on the sewing bee too? Is she married to a BBC higher up?'
Taylor replied directly to the comments, writing: 'Haven’t done Sewing Bee yet but I’ll ask the hubs to put in a good word.'
Taylor's New Role and Support
Taylor's appointment on It Takes Two follows her appearance on Strictly in 2022, where she finished in seventh place with professional dancer Johannes Radebe. Speaking about her new role, 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.'
She added: '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).'
Fleur East offered her support on social media, writing: 'You will be amazing!! Congratulations ❤️❤️'. Taylor responded: 'Thanks so much Fleur ❤️ if I can do it half as well as you, I’ll be absolutely buzzing. So much love xxx.'
Zoe Ball, who hosted It Takes Two from 2011 to 2021, also sent well-wishes, along with Shirley Ballas, Rylan Clark, Angela Scanlon, Clara Amfo, and Dianne Buswell. Zoe wrote: 'Best job ever ENJOY Ellie ???', with Taylor replying: 'Thanks so much Zoe! ❤️What an honour to follow in your footsteps!! I can’t wait!!'
Upcoming Series
Strictly Come Dancing and It Takes Two return in September on BBC One, BBC Two, and BBC iPlayer. The 2026 line-up includes Lacey Turner, Dani Dyer, Delta Goodrem, Chris Appleton, Cach Mercer, Will Best, Dame Sarah Storey, Jaime Winstone, Bethany Antonia, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Graeme 'The Dogfather' Hall, Lawrence Robb, Tabby Stoecker, John Nellis, and Melanie Walters.
