Ellie Taylor takes over from Janette Manrara and Fleur East as the new presenter of Strictly Come Dancing's spin-off programme, It Takes Two. She makes her presenting debut this evening (September 28).
What viewers can expect
Before the inaugural episode, Ellie discussed several modifications that audiences can anticipate. She remarked: "There'll be a great mix of old and new features. We'll have groups of celebs on without their Pro partners, and vice versa, which will hopefully show the audience a whole new side to their Strictly experience - plus the amazing camaraderie between them all."
She added: "We'll have a Monday Panel made up of previous contestants and Pros who can talk with real experience of what our 2026 cast are experiencing. Oh, and me! I'm new too!"
Changes across the show
The established programme has undergone numerous transformations this year, including fresh presenters, replacing Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. During the opening episode, viewers witnessed Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe make their entrance as the new presenting team of the BBC programme.
Back in 2022, Johannes was paired with Ellie when she took part in the competition. When asked how it feels to be joining Strictly as the presenter of It Takes Two at the same time her former professional partner takes on a new role, Ellie was quick to express her delight.
She added: "What a treat! We are both thrilled for one another! It's funny to think back to four years ago, both of us dressed as shepherds about to dance a Viennese Waltz to Lulu's Boom Bang a Bang, having no idea that one day we'd both be back at Strictly in such different roles! It's a dream come true."
Leaderboard results
Last weekend, BBC audiences watched this year's celebrity contestants take to the dance floor for the very first time. Topping the leaderboard with an impressive score of 31 is social media sensation John Nellis, alongside his professional partner Katya Jones.
Hot on their heels are Delta Goodrem and Kai Widdington, who impressed the judging panel enough to secure a score of 29. At the opposite end of the scoreboard, however, Sarah Storey, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Melanie Walters all received 15 points for their performances.
While no celebrity was eliminated during the opening week, their scores will be carried over to their next routine, with the first departure from the competition set to take place on Sunday, 4th October. Strictly It Takes Two will air weeknights on BBC Two from 6:30pm.
