Ellie Taylor made her debut as host of Strictly: It Takes Two on Monday (September 28), replacing Janette Manrara and Fleur East in the role. The comedian opened the programme by hinting at "some changes" before delivering a recap of the weekend's dance floor drama.
Fans praise new host
During the show, Ellie caught up with the Monday panel, featuring former champion Karen Carney alongside Strictly: Lights Up presenters Abi Clarke and Tyler West. She also chatted with Delta Goodrem, Jaime Winstone, and Chris Appleton, though their professional dance partners were not present.
Audiences were quick to commend Ellie, with one viewer posting on X: "5 minutes of watching It Takes Two and it's clear they should have just got Ellie Taylor presenting the main show with Emma." Another commented: "Ellie Taylor in two minutes has already proven better than Josh and JoJo combined."
A third declared: "Ellie Taylor should be doing the main Saturday show." A fourth fan mirrored these thoughts, stating: "Maybe Ellie should host the main show. She has started Takes Two with a bang." Someone else shared: "Ellie Taylor is doing so well. She's come in and not only had to fill one pair of shoes but two! She's carrying a week long show on her own."
Complaints over format changes
Meanwhile, other viewers were swift to voice their grievances about the revamped set and interview structure. "What the hell have they done to ITT?" one person questioned.
Another chimed in: "Oh dear, #Strictly #ittakestwo has moved to the box room. Turn the lights on, and get rid of the dated 'zoo' format." A third remarked: "Really disappointed they're choosing to have the celebrities on #ItTakesTwo without their pros. It makes them feel insignificant."
Someone else penned: "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." A fifth viewer shared the sentiment, stating: "Couple interviews [are] why most people watched It Takes Two, whose idea was it to scrap them?"
Ellie's excitement at new role
Ellie was revealed as the latest It Takes Two host during Emma Willis' live BBC Radio 2 show last month. "I'm absolutely over the moon," Ellie told Emma on air. In a statement, she continued: "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."
She added: "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)."
Strictly Come Dancing and Strictly: It Takes Two are both available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
