Comedian Ellie Taylor has been officially announced as the new host of Strictly Come Dancing's spin-off show It Takes Two, following the departure of Fleur East and Janette Manrara.
New era for the spin-off
The shake-up comes after Fleur East, 38, and Janette Manrara, 42, were both axed as presenters, with the latter emotionally confirming she's 'no longer a part' of the show. Executives had reportedly slated the show, which airs on BBC Two during the week after the main programme on BBC One, as 'boring'.
Ellie, 42, is set to host new episodes every weeknight, giving all the behind-the-scenes details on the popular dancing competition. She was heavily rumoured to take the job, having appeared on the dancing competition in 2022 alongside pro dancer Johannes Radebe and finished in seventh place.
Ellie's excitement
The former Strictly competitor said: '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.)'
Joining the team
A source previously told The Sun: 'Ellie was hugely popular with viewers when she appeared as a contestant on Strictly in 2022, and her infectious personality was also a hit with the senior production team.'
Turns out those rumours were completely true, so Ellie will join new hosts Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe for the next series.
Helen Munson, BBC Commissioning Editor, added: 'We'd like to say a huge thank you to the brilliant Janette Manrara and Fleur East, who've been a massive part of It Takes Two's continued success over the years.
'It Takes Two is a joy to make and we're so proud to have it on the BBC every autumn. As we embark on what will be an incredibly exciting new series of Strictly, we can't wait to be there every step of the way.'
It Takes Two has been a staple of the show since it launched in 2004, with Claudia Winkleman originally helming it before she became a co-host of the main series.
