Strictly Come Dancing fans have expressed anger over the revamped format of spin-off show It Takes Two, which now sees celebrity contestants interviewed without their professional dance partners.
The new series of It Takes Two premiered on Monday, September 28, with comedian Ellie Taylor making her hosting debut after replacing previous presenters Janette Manrara and Fleur East. While many viewers were pleased with Taylor herself, a number were unhappy with the format changes.
New format draws criticism
In previous seasons, celebrities and their professional partners would take to the sofa to share rehearsal updates or be interviewed after their exit from the main show. For the opening episode, Delta Goodrem, Jaime Winstone and Chris Appleton were all interviewed at the same time on the new set, but none were accompanied by their pros.
Disgruntled viewers took to social media to complain about the new format. “The clue's in the title of the show. Two. A celeb AND a pro. Together on the couch having a chat,” one viewer argued on X. “Why does BBC think getting rid of pros can make It Takes Two better when the partnership between pros and celebs is the biggest part of this show? Not to mention the vast majority of the viewers are there to watch different dynamics between various couples,” bemoaned another fan.
Yet another person said that the new format was “ruining the winning formula by adding cheap gimmicks”. Meanwhile, fans questioned when the professional dancers would later feature on the show under the new shake-up.
Set also criticised
Some viewers were also unhappy with the new set, as one fan urged producers to “turn the lights on, and get rid of the dated 'zoo' format”. “I prefer last year's set, it's much more cosy,” said a second person.
However, not all critiques were negative, as other social media users said they “loved it”. One user added: “Love the new format celebs without their pros. Ellie was fab!!” “Am I the only one that actually enjoyed It Takes Two tonight? I enjoy listening to just the couples talk Strictly,” said another.
Taylor's new role
Last month, Taylor, who previously competed in the show, was revealed to be the new presenter during Emma Willis' BBC Radio 2 programme. In a statement sharing the news, she 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)."
