Ellie Taylor has been announced as the new host of Strictly: It Takes Two, the BBC Two spin-off of Strictly Come Dancing. The former contestant will take over from September, with the news revealed live on air by Emma Willis during her BBC Radio 2 show on Saturday, August 15.
Announcement on BBC Radio 2
Emma Willis, who was herself announced as one of the new hosts of Strictly alongside Josh Widdecombe and Johannes Radebe, made the announcement during her live programme. Ellie Taylor told Emma live on air: "I'm absolutely over the moon."
The appointment comes months after Janette Manrara announced her exit from the show in June. Janette had previously fronted the programme alongside Fleur East, but amid reports of a shake-up, she confirmed she would not be returning.
2026 Line-Up Confirmed
The unveiling of the new It Takes Two host comes just days after the 2026 celebrity line-up was confirmed. Gavin and Stacey actress Melanie Walters completed the cast on Wednesday, August 12.
She will be joined by Lacey Turner, Dani Dyer, Delta Goodrem, Chris Appleton, Cach Mercer, Will Best, Dame Sarah Storey, and Jaime Winstone. The line-up is rounded out by Bethany Antonia, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Graeme Hall, Lawrence Robb, Tabby Stoecker, and John Nellis.
