Ellie Taylor has revealed she was taken to hospital shortly before heading to the BBC studio for her second week as host of Strictly Come Dancing spin-off It Takes Two.
The comedian and presenter shared the news on Instagram, posting a picture of her hand in a grey brace that allowed her fingers to move but kept her thumb in place. Over the image, she wrote: "Quick visit to Minor Injuries! Thumbs up to it not being broke, just a strain!"
Plea to the wardrobe team
She added a plea to the team backstage at Strictly Come Dancing, noting the grey colour of the brace was not as glitzy as the show. "Hope wardrobe has a glue gun and some rhinestones," she said.
In another Instagram post, Ellie joked about having a snack with her that tasted like "pathetic skirting board/loft insulation". She showed what looked like cracker bread in a ziplock bag, which she called "sad" and "little".
Gratitude to nurse and first elimination
Sharing a picture of herself smiling at the camera while holding up her injured hand, she said: "Also bg thumbs up (it's all I've got) to Nurse Wendy who got me out in time to make my car to the studio."
As the new host of It Takes Two, taking over from Janette Manrara and Fleur East, Ellie was in the studio for the live show, where she spoke to the first eliminated couple, Chris Appleton and Amy Dowden. During the show, Chris broke down in tears as he addressed his early exit from the competition.
The celebrity hairdresser, known for working with Kim Kardashian, became emotional as he asked why they had to show a montage of his short time on Strictly and called it a "phenomenal experience".
"I said to my kids...I can't even talk...just challenge yourself and do it anyway," he said. "I'd literally go out there shaking and there's times I didn't know if I could do it but I did it and I would just look at Amy and see her smiling and knew she was with me."
"It says so much about the show, all of the cast and the people behind the scenes who don't get a mention. You do need that because it's such a phenomenal one, and if you're lucky enough to do it, jump at it."
Amy paid tribute to her dance partner, saying she was sure there would have been "so much more" to come from him had they not been voted off. She said: "From the first day to dancing on Saturday night, he grew and grew and grew [in confidence] and I'm just gutted that we didn't get the chance to continue. I honestly think there was so much more to come."
Ellie's new role and fan reaction
The episode marked Ellie's second week on It Takes Two. Following the BBC's confirmation of her role in August, she said in a statement: "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.)"
Many fans praised the new host after her first week, with some calling her "absolutely brilliant" and others suggesting she should take a hosting role on the main show. "Don't like the changes, but Ellie is fab," one wrote. "Should have got the main gig with Emma [Willis]."
