Ellie Taylor has reportedly agreed a deal to front Strictly Come Dancing spin-off It Takes Two, four years after she finished seventh on the BBC One show as a contestant.
Reports of a revamp
Reports suggest the 42-year-old actress is set to be the new face of the sister show, with bosses said to have thought past presenters were "too boring" and hoping Taylor can reinvigorate the programme.
A source said: "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."
Speaking to The Sun, they continued: "She very much featured in the discussions when they were looking to replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman on the main show, and although she didn’t get that job, she remained in the executive team’s thoughts. They were very keen to get her on It Takes Two which they felt was too boring and needed a major revamp. So she’s been hired for the It Takes Two hosting job."
A Strictly spokesperson told the Mirror: "We don't comment on speculation."
Ellie's history with the show
Taylor was partnered with Johannes Radebe, 39, now a host of the main show, during her 2022 series. The pair finished in seventh place.
Ahead of the announcement that Johannes Radebe, Josh Widdicombe and Emma Willis would take over from Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman on the main show, Taylor spoke of her hopes to be part of proceedings.
The host of Bake Off: The Professionals told the Mirror in November last year: "I don’t think there is anyone in light entertainment who’d say no. It’ll be such an honour for whoever gets those jobs. I’ll happily cut myself a fringe if they need me to. Or dye my hair blonde. Whatever it takes, I’ll do it."
She also confirmed she remains in touch with her former dance partner, saying: "I give him little pep talks, because I know how gruelling it can be... Johannes is just a wonderful human. I used to call him the best boyfriend. He’d send me the most gorgeous flowers and I felt like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman."
Years after her appearance, Taylor admitted she can finally watch without panic-inducing flashbacks: "People always say the year afterwards feels like watching your ex with a new girlfriend. But with distance, I can now look back at it fondly while also going, ‘I’m glad I don’t have to do that again.’ I loved it and had an amazing time, but when the theme music kicks in, it’ll always trigger something in me."
