The 2026 series of Strictly: It Takes Two debuted on Monday, 28 September, with a major overhaul that has divided viewers. The weeknight companion show, broadcast at 6:30pm on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer, features a new host, a redesigned set, and sweeping format changes.
Comedian, presenter, and 2022 Strictly contestant Ellie Taylor has become the sole host, replacing the former duo of Janette Manrara and Fleur East. Having experienced the training process herself, Ellie has promised a warm, witty, and "gorgeously silly" atmosphere. Her debut was widely praised by viewers for its fresh energy.
Group interviews spark backlash
However, a notable change to the interview format has drawn criticism. For the first time, celebrity contestants are being interviewed together in groups, without their professional partners present — and vice versa. During the launch episode, celebrities including Delta Goodrem, Jaime Winstone, and Chris Appleton shared the sofa while their pros were absent.
The production team intended this to show genuine camaraderie between celebrities, but the change has split fans. Many disgruntled viewers took to social media to argue that separating the couples "ruins the show," noting that the title It Takes Two is meant to celebrate the partnership between the celeb and their professional dancer.
One viewer wrote on X: "So they're not doing interviews with the couples? Just the celebs alone? Hate that! Part of the reason I watch #ItTakesTwo is to see how the chemistry between the couples is progressing and to see the couples interacting on the sofa. Honestly I might be out already."
Another added: "Something ironic about the Strictly spin-off show being called 'It Takes Two' only for them to only interview one person from each of the couples. It takes two, but we'll only hear from one of you." A third echoed: "It takes two without the pros is like strictly without the dancing." While a fourth added: "#ItTakesTwo really is pointless without seeing the couples and their relationship together."
Couples interviews to return
Fans needn't be too worried though as tonight's (September 30) episode will reportedly feature some couples being interviewed together, and there will be regular interviews with couples throughout the series — in addition to the new panels with celebs and pros. Tonight's programme will also feature the first Pro Panel of the series, where Ellie is joined by this year's professional dancers Julian, Lauren and Jowita without their partners to discuss the weekend and preview Movie Week.
Other additions include the Monday panel, with a rotating line-up of former Strictly contestants and professionals offering first-hand perspective. There are also extended features, including behind-the-scenes training room footage, exclusive chats with costume designer Vicky Gill, and in-depth glimpses into the creative team's preparations.
It Takes Two has also launched with a brand-new set, featuring a completely revamped studio backdrop and layout designed to give the spin-off a "brighter, more contemporary look". However, as the new set swaps the traditional intimate two-seater sofa for a broader, multi-guest arrangement, some fans have voiced concerns that the warm, personal atmosphere has been lost. Viewers on platforms such as X and Reddit have noted that cramming multiple celebrities onto a single sofa feels disjointed compared to the more focused one-on-one interviews of previous series.
Ellie Taylor's solo debut praised
Social media reviews for Ellie Taylor's debut as sole host have been overwhelmingly positive for her personally. Viewers widely praised the comedian for her energy and presence, with many noting she felt "refreshing" and did a great job holding the weeknight show on her own after replacing dual hosts Fleur East and Janette Manrara. The reception was so strong that a prominent wave of fans on X began calling for her to be moved to the flagship Saturday night show instead, following a live cue blunder by main show co-host Josh Widdicombe.
The BBC has been contacted for comment. Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two airs on BBC Two on weeknights at 6:30pm.
