Strictly Come Dancing star Ellie Taylor has revealed that lads' magazine FHM once offered her £200 to pose nude while she was an intern there.
Intern offer
Speaking to the I paper, she disclosed her youthful ambitions of pursuing journalism. Throughout her university education, she would undertake internships at various publications during summer intervals, reports the Daily Star.
She gained experience at The Times and Vogue, while also completing a placement at lads' magazine FHM, which previously enjoyed substantial print readership but has operated exclusively online since 2016. This is where Ellie received a rather unexpected proposition, as she recalls: "Absolutely wild times. They asked me if I would be in the magazine. I was the intern, and they asked if I would get my kit off for £200, which was a lot of money for me. Thank god I said no."
Strictly presenting role
Far from harbouring resentment about not securing one of the principal Strictly presenting positions, Ellie acknowledges she hadn't anticipated landing the role and is thrilled to be fronting It Takes Two. She "realised it's beyond her" and is delighted to remain connected to Strictly in some capacity, being an enormous admirer of the programme.
The comedian became the eighth celebrity departure in the 2022 series, where she was coincidentally partnered with Johannes, when he was amongst the professional dancers. Ellie, 42, was additionally considered for the primary presenting role, but was unsuccessful, alongside candidates including Zoe Ball, Sara Cox, Rylan Clark and Angela Scanlon.
New presenting team
The revamped Strictly Come Dancing presenting team has sparked considerable attention during the opening weeks of the current series. Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe have received divided opinions following their takeover from established hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. However, changes haven't been confined to the main BBC programme alone. Companion series It Takes Two has likewise undergone restructuring, with former participant Ellie Taylor succeeding Janette Manrara and Fleur East.
The new presenting team has attracted certain criticism. While Emma has been warmly welcomed, Josh has been described as "too jittery" while Johannes' limited live television presenting background has been noted.
Discussing the new line-up, she remarked: "People don't like change. I think they're great. There's such great energy in that room; they're all so pumped to be there. They'll settle into the roles even better than they already have."
Career highlights
Mother-of-two Ellie began performing stand-up comedy in her mid-20s. She has subsequently featured on popular television programmes including 8 Out of 10 Cats, Mock the Week and The Last Leg. Ellie has also ventured into acting, featuring in the acclaimed sports comedy-drama Ted Lasso, alongside Jason Sudeikis, Hannah Waddingham and Nick Mohammed.
