Fleur East has reportedly been let go from her role as a presenter on Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two, according to sources close to the singer. The BBC show is undergoing a significant overhaul following the departure of long-time hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, as well as several scandals that have prompted a complete revamp of the familiar format.
Hosts Replaced by Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe
Bosses have decided not to renew Fleur's contract, along with that of former Strictly professional Janette Manrara. Instead, the presenting lineup for the spin-off will feature Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Strictly pro Johannes Radebe, who will make their debut when the show returns later this year. Fleur, 38, had also auditioned for the main presenting roles but was not selected.
Fleur joined It Takes Two in 2023, a year after she participated as a contestant on the main show, finishing in second place with professional dancer Vito Coppola. The news of her axing has left her devastated, according to an insider.
Source: Fleur 'in Denial' and 'Really Upset'
A source told The Sun: "Fleur has kept the news on the lowdown for as long as she could, only telling her close friends. She's still in denial about it and was really upset by the decision. But it wasn't personal."
Speaking on her Hits Radio Breakfast Show last month, Fleur had addressed the possibility of not being chosen as a main presenter. She told co-stars James Barr and Will Best: "I did say initially, after Tess and Claudia announced they were leaving Strictly, you know, it's probably not going to happen [for me] and I'm happy for whoever gets it. And we were just talking about Emma Willis being announced and I was like, 'Yeah, great, amazing' and I've kind of lied to myself that I'd be all right with not doing it or not being considered for the job. But I'm kind of bothered…"
She added: "I think it's ok to admit that. I think it's ok to admit that being faced with the opportunity of such an incredible job. I mean, it's an amazing show. I've not only had the privilege and pleasure of being on it, but then also hosting It Takes Two and being part of the family, it's been an incredible job to be a part of. So, when you’re within touching distance of something like that, and even considering it for a minute, I never allowed myself to really go fully there, but I did think about it. I was like, that would be amazing."
BBC Spokesperson: Plans to Be Announced in Due Course
A spokesperson for the BBC told the Mirror that plans for Strictly "will be announced in due course." While a return date is yet to be confirmed, bosses have revealed several famous faces who will be taking part in the upcoming series. Among them are celebrity hairdresser Chris Appleton, known for styling Kim Kardashian, Britney Spears, and Jennifer Lopez; EastEnders star Lacey Turner; Love Island winner Dani Dyer; and singer Delta Goodrem.
The Mirror has approached Fleur's spokesperson for comment.
