It Takes Two returned on Monday (September 28) with a major format change, and viewers quickly made their feelings known. The Strictly Come Dancing spin-off has undergone a shake-up this year, with Ellie Taylor taking over from Fleur East and Janette Manrara as presenter.
In her first episode, Ellie was praised for bringing a lively and energetic feel to the show. The host changes follow Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman's exits from the main programme, making a broader BBC shake-up seem inevitable.
Celebrities separated from their partners
However, one of the biggest changes has left viewers confused. Previously, celebrities and their professional partners sat together on the sofa to discuss rehearsals, judges' comments and upcoming routines. Under the new format, celebrities are interviewed separately, with the pros reportedly set to appear at a later date.
Social media was quickly flooded with complaints, with some fans saying they were switching off. One viewer wrote: "Why does BBC think get rid of pros can make it takes two better when the partnership between pros and celebs is the biggest part of this show? Not to mention the vast majority of the viewers are there to watch different dynamics between various couples."
Another fan said: "Felt so wrong not seeing the pros with the celebs I want to see my fave pros please!!!!!"
Viewers threaten to stop watching
A third echoed: "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."
Another agreed: "I'm gutted about the new ITT. I only tune in to watch the pros interview with the celebs. The new format is awful." A fifth said: "I didn’t even watch because I read this was happening. The producers must be really sabotaging this programme."
The appeal of It Takes Two has always been seeing what partnerships are like away from the dance floor. Currently, viewers get a brief two-minute preview clip before Saturday performances and around 30 seconds of conversation after the dance. Many feel that is not enough to get to know the people behind the performances, with couples often appearing more relaxed than on the main show.
While social media offers alternative content, not everyone uses Instagram, TikTok or X, and those viewers should not have to look elsewhere for something the show has always provided. The hope is that the BBC recognises the mistake and reverts to the old format before losing more viewers.
