Strictly Come Dancing viewers are gutted after reports that the much-loved companion series, It Takes Two, is set to be scrapped for a new format. The BBC Two spin-off, currently hosted by Fleur East and Janette Manrara, has been a staple of the show since it launched in 2004, originally helmed by Claudia Winkleman before she became a co-host of the main series.
However, major changes are underway for the flagship BBC series. Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly are stepping down, a host of professional dancers are leaving, and now It Takes Two is reportedly being turned on its head. A TV insider told The Sun: There is definitely a creative renewal on the table for It Takes Two, and they are poised to sign off on the radical option of a vodcast.
A vodcast is a companion video podcast, similar to Race Across the World: The Detour, The Apprentice: Unfinished Business, and the megahit The Traitors: Uncloaked. The insider added: Beeb bosses have seen it embraced on other huge BBC One shows, particularly The Traitors, where the Uncloaked aftershow got millions tuning in. More and more people of all ages and backgrounds enjoy podcasts and vodcasts, so despite being quite a departure, it is actually quite a shrewd move.
Traitors: Uncloaked, hosted by Ed Gamble, has proven to be a huge hit and even landed a BBC One slot after the main show. There is no word yet on whether a potential vodcast version of It Takes Two would remain on BBC Two.
Earlier reports suggested that Janette and Fleur had been removed from the show, but the BBC has since stated it was factually incorrect to claim that either has been axed. However, no official word has been given on who will present the spin-off, regardless of the format, when it returns. Appearing on BBC Breakfast in April, Janette addressed her future: I don't know, we'll have to wait and find out. I think everyone at the moment is on standby, so we'll see what happens… That's showbiz!
The BBC has said plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be announced in due course. With the main show's future uncertain, fans are mourning the news that It Takes Two could look very different come autumn. One fan wrote on X: It Takes Two was fun and cheap enough as it was! This is really disappointing. Another commented: Idk how this could work, a dancing show where it's filmed in a shed. Others said: That's a no from me, and No thank you, won't work in that way. One fan declared: This is my final straw.
As for the main show, no word has been given on who will take over as co-hosts, with claims that auditions are taking place this week. The final shortlist reportedly includes Alison Hammond, Zoe Ball, and Rylan Clark. Metro has reached out to the BBC for comment.
