Ellie Taylor makes her debut as the new presenter of Strictly: It Takes Two on September 28, taking over from Janette Manrara and Fleur East. The former Strictly contestant has revealed what viewers can expect from the revamped BBC spin-off show.
New features and a Monday Panel
Speaking ahead of the first episode, Taylor said: "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 Strictly franchise
This year's Strictly has seen a range of changes, including new presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman being replaced by Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe. Taylor was partnered with Radebe when she competed in 2022.
On joining the show at the same time as her former pro partner takes on a new role, Taylor said: "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."
Latest leaderboard results
Last weekend, this year's celebrities took to the dancefloor for the first time. Social media star John Nellis and his professional partner Katya Jones top the leaderboard with a score of 31, followed by Delta Goodrem and Kai Widdington with 29.
At the other end, Sarah Storey, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Melanie Walters all received 15. No one was sent home in the first week, but scores will be added to the next performances, with the first elimination on Sunday October 4. Strictly It Takes Two airs weeknights on BBC Two from 6:30pm.
