Ellie Taylor has been confirmed as the new presenter of It Takes Two, the Strictly Come Dancing spin-off, following the departures of Janette Manrara and Fleur East. The BBC announced the news on Saturday, August 15, revealing that the 'new look' show will be hosted by the comedian, presenter and former Strictly contestant.
A return to the ballroom
Ellie, known for her roles in Ted Lasso and as a stand-up comedian, competed on Strictly in 2022 with professional dancer Johannes Radebe. The pair finished in 7th place after being eliminated in week 10. The spin-off series is moving forward without Janette and Fleur, who had fronted it together since 2023. Both had already announced their exits prior to Ellie’s announcement.
Ellie said of the news: “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.)”
New features and launch details
It Takes Two launches this September on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer. The official launch night of the main series is expected to air on Saturday, September 16.
The show’s synopsis reads: “Ellie's mission is to bring you more access, more insight and more Strictly magic than ever before. With new episodes premiering every weeknight from the home of Strictly, Elstree Studios, It Takes Two will offer a peek behind the curtain at everything that goes into making the UK's favourite dance show - with more to see than ever before.
“Costume Design Queen Vicky Gill will still be on hand to keep fans in the know about who's wearing what, and key members of the creative team will give viewers a deep dive into every aspect of what it takes to create a spectacular Strictly performance.
“New features will include in-depth discussions among groups of celebs and groups of Pros - often without their partners - and a new Strictly alumni panel to revisit the Strictly ballroom for a unique insight into each weekend's show. Plus expect all of the training room VTs, exclusive interviews, announcements and reveals that It Takes Two is known for.”
Congratulations from former hosts
The comments section of the official post sharing Ellie’s new role saw several stars who have hosted It Takes Two as well as a number of other stars associated with Strictly congratulating her on her major career update.
Fleur said: “You will be amazing!! Congratulations!” To which Ellie replied: “Thanks so much Fleur, if I can do it half as well as you, I’ll be absolutely buzzing. So much love xxx.”
Rylan Clark, who Fleur replaced in 2022, posted three hearts and one clapping hands emoji. Zoe Ball, who fronted the spin-off from 2011 to 2021, wrote: “Best job ever ENJOY Ellie.”
Professional dancer Amy Dowden commented: “Congrats how exciting xxx.” Carlos Gu, who won Strictly with Karen Carney last year, stated: “This is so amazing! X.”
