Ellie Taylor made her hosting debut on Strictly: It Takes Two on Monday evening, September 28, taking over from Janette Manrara and Fleur East as the new face of the spin-off programme.
The comedian opened the show by hinting at "some changes" before delivering a recap of the weekend's ballroom performances. She then spoke with Monday's panel, including last year's winner Karen Carney and Strictly: Lights Up hosts Abi Clarke and Tyler West. Ellie also interviewed Delta Goodrem, Jaime Winstone, and Chris Appleton, though their professional partners were absent.
Fans Call for Main Show Role
Audiences were quick to praise Ellie, with some demanding she join the main show's hosting line-up. One person wrote on X: "5 minutes of watching It Takes Two and it's clear they should have just got Ellie Taylor presenting the main show with Emma." Another commented: "Ellie Taylor in two minutes has already proven better than Josh and JoJo combined."
A third stated: "Ellie Taylor should be doing the main Saturday show." A fourth agreed: "Maybe Ellie should host the main show. She has started Takes Two with a bang." Someone else posted: "Ellie Taylor is doing so well. She's come in and not only had to fill one pair of shoes but two! She's carrying a week long show on her own."
Mixed Reactions to New Format
Other viewers voiced concerns about the new studio and interview format. "What the hell have they done to ITT?" one person questioned. Another commented: "Oh dear, #Strictly #ittakestwo has moved to the box room. Turn the lights on, and get rid of the dated 'zoo' format."
A third remarked: "Really disappointed they're choosing to have the celebrities on #ItTakesTwo without their pros. It makes them feel insignificant." Someone else posted: "So they're not doing interviews with the couples? Just the celebs alone? Hate that!! Part of the reason I watch #ItTakesTwo is to see how the chemistry between the couples is progressing and to see the couples interacting on the sofa. Honestly I might be out already." A fifth viewer shared similar thoughts, saying: "Couple interviews [are] why most people watched It Takes Two, whose idea was it to scrap them?"
Ellie's Excitement at New Role
Ellie was unveiled as the newest presenter during Emma Willis' live BBC Radio 2 programme last month. "I'm absolutely over the moon," Ellie told Emma live on air.
In a statement, she added: "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)."
Strictly Come Dancing and Strictly: It Takes Two are both available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
