Comedian Ellie Taylor has been confirmed as the new host of Strictly Come Dancing's spin-off show, It Takes Two, the BBC announced. She replaces former hosts Fleur East and Janette Manrara in a revamp of the programme for the new series later this year.
Reveal on Radio 2
The announcement was made on Emma Willis's BBC Radio 2 show, where Ellie admitted she had known about the role for a month but was sworn to secrecy. “I feel so thrilled to be back in the Strictly world,” she said. “It’s a dream come true.”
In a statement later released by the BBC, she added: "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.)"
New format details
Ellie described the show as "the show that everyone knows and loves but refreshed for 2026", adding: “We’re gonna be talking to couples but also groups of celeb [contestants] and groups of pros away from their dance partners, for slightly more candid conversation.”
She also said: “One thing that we’re really keen to have is more involvement from the viewers at home. You know when you have a WhatsApp chat and you’re gossiping about what’s going on with Strictly? We want it to feel like that. One big fat celebration of the wonderful world of Strictly.”
Executive producer's reaction
Rhe-an Archibald, Executive Producer of Strictly - It Takes Two at BBC Studios, said: “This is Strictly – It Takes Two, reinvented for the 2026 season. With a wealth of new features and deep dives, we want to reflect the conversations happening in living rooms up and down the country – full of opinions, laughs, surprises and those moments everyone wants to talk about. With the fun and funny Ellie at the helm, it will be an utterly unmissable companion to Strictly Come Dancing.”
Ellie previously competed on Strictly in 2022, partnered with Johannes Radebe, and placed eighth. The main show will see three new hosts replacing outgoing presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe will take over when the series returns in September.
