Strictly Spin-Off Revamped
Ellie Taylor Confirmed as New It Takes Two Host Amidst Strictly Spin-Off Revamp
Key Points
Fleur East and Janette Manrara were axed from the It Takes Two hosting role, prompting a broader revamp of the spin-off's presenting line-up.
Ellie Taylor is a former Strictly contestant who finished seventh in 2022 with Johannes Radebe and has previously appeared on Ted Lasso as Flo 'Sassy' Collins.
The revamp includes potential new formats for It Takes Two, with talk of a vodcast and more candid discussions that involve groups of celebrities and pros beyond their dance partners, aiming to refresh the show for 2026 and boost viewer participation.
Taylor kept the news private for about a month, telling only her mother and partner before confirming it publicly on Emma Willis's BBC Radio 2 show, and she described the moment as 'over the moon' and a 'dream come true'.
Ellie Taylor has been named the new host of Strictly Come Dancing's spin-off show It Takes Two, replacing Fleur East and Janette Manrara, who were both axed from their presenting roles. Taylor made the announcement live on BBC Radio 2, calling it a 'dream come true' and saying she has been 'over the moon' since finding out about a month ago. Express reported the news broke during Emma Willis's Radio 2 show.
Taylor is no stranger to Strictly. She competed in the 2022 series, finishing seventh alongside professional partner Johannes Radebe. Radebe will now join her on the It Takes Two presenting team, alongside Emma Willis and Josh Widdicombe, Metro confirmed.
Fleur East and Janette Manrara Axed in Big Revamp
Both Fleur East and Janette Manrara were dropped from It Takes Two before this announcement. The departures triggered a full revamp of the spin-off's presenting lineup, Mirror reported. Manrara had confirmed her own exit earlier, while East's axing also drew significant attention from fans and press.
The shake-up is part of a broader effort to refresh the Strictly brand ahead of the 2026 series. The show has faced intense scrutiny over the past year, making a strong new lineup important for the BBC.
Taylor Kept the Secret for a Full Month
Taylor sat on the news for about four weeks before going public. She told only her mother and her partner before the official announcement. Keeping a secret that big, she said, was no easy task. The public reveal came when she appeared on Emma Willis's BBC Radio 2 show to confirm the role herself.
Taylor is best known as a comedian and TV presenter. Beyond Strictly, she played Flo 'Sassy' Collins in the hit Apple TV+ series Ted Lasso, Manchester Evening News noted. She brings a mix of comedy and first-hand Strictly experience to the role.
New Format Plans Include Vodcast and Celebrity Groups
The revamped It Takes Two won't just look different on screen — it may work differently too. Reports suggest the show is exploring a vodcast format and more candid group conversations. These would bring in celebrities and pros beyond just their own dance partners, aiming to make the show feel fresher and less scripted.
The goal is to boost viewer engagement and widen the show's appeal going into 2026. With a new four-person hosting team of Willis, Widdicombe, Radebe, and Taylor, the BBC is clearly betting on a bigger, livelier It Takes Two, Head Topics reported.
Taylor's Strictly History Makes Her a Natural Fit
Taylor's run on Strictly in 2022 gives her real insight into what contestants go through. She and Johannes Radebe reached seventh place together. Now the two will share a presenting desk, giving It Takes Two a genuine behind-the-scenes voice from someone who has actually lived the experience.
Fans have reacted warmly to the pick. Taylor's comedy background and her easy chemistry with Radebe from their time competing together make her a credible and entertaining choice, according to Metro. The new lineup is set to debut when Strictly returns later in 2025 for the 2026 series.
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