Strictly: It Takes Two returned on Monday, 28 September, with a studio overhaul and a shake-up of its familiar format. The 2026 series has brought changes both on screen and behind the presenter's desk, with fans tuning in each weeknight on BBC Two Wales and BBC iPlayer.
Taking the reins alone is comedian and presenter Ellie Taylor, who replaces hosting duo Janette Manrara and Fleur East. Her own stint on Strictly in 2022 gave her first-hand experience of the pressures facing the contestants, and she hopes to bring warmth, laughter and a "gorgeously silly" feel to the show. Her first appearance has received widespread praise from audiences, who have embraced her fresh and lively approach to the spin-off.
Couples separated in new interview format
Nevertheless, while many BBC Two viewers have warmed to Ellie's infectious enthusiasm, a substantial number of dedicated fans are far from pleased following a significant alteration to the programme's interview structure. For the first time, celebrity participants are being interviewed collectively in groups, without their professional partners present - and vice versa.
During the opening episode, celebrities including Delta Goodrem, Jaime Winstone, and Chris Appleton occupied the sofa while their respective professionals were absent. While the production team intended this to showcase the authentic camaraderie between the celebrities, the change has divided viewers.
Numerous dissatisfied fans have flocked to social media to argue that separating the couples "ruins the show," pointing out that the very title It Takes Two is designed to celebrate the partnership between the celebrity and their professional dancer.
One viewer posted on X: "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 commented: "Something ironic about the Strictly spin-off show being called 'It Takes Two' only for them to only interview one person from each of the couples. It takes two, but we'll only hear from one of you." A third remarked: "It takes two without the pros is like strictly without the dancing." While a fourth contributed: "#ItTakesTwo really is pointless without seeing the couples and their relationship together." Another viewer weighed in: "I have tried but the new format on #ittakestwo is not for me, biggest problem is the couples not being interviewed together."
Upcoming episodes to feature couples together
Viewers shouldn't be worried too much though as tonight's (September 30) episode of the show will reportedly feature some of the Strictly couples being interviewed together, and there will be regular interviews with couples throughout the series - as well as the new panels with celebs and Pros. Tonight's episode will also feature the first Pro Panel of the series, where Ellie is joined by this year's professional dancers Julian, Lauren and Jowita without their partners to discuss the weekend and preview Movie Week.
Beyond this shake-up, the programme has unveiled a raft of additional fresh elements. Other additions to the show include the Monday panel, which boasts a rotating line-up of former Strictly contestants and professionals, offering genuine, first-hand perspective into what the current cast is going through. There are also extended features, including behind-the-scenes training room footage, exclusive chats with costume designer Vicky Gill, and in-depth glimpses into the creative team's preparations.
In addition to this, the show has also debuted with a brand-new set as part of its comprehensive autumn refresh. It now features a completely redesigned studio backdrop and layout, intended to give the weeknight spin-off a "brighter, more contemporary look". Nevertheless, as the new set replaces the traditional intimate two-seater sofa with a wider, multi-guest configuration, some fans have expressed concerns that the cosy, personal feel of the spin-off has been sacrificed.
Viewers on platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit have observed that fitting multiple celebrities onto a single sofa feels fragmented compared to the more concentrated one-on-one interviews of previous series. The BBC has been contacted for comment.
Ellie Taylor wins praise from viewers
People on social media seem to be loving Ellie Taylor's performance as the sole host of Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two. Many said the comedian felt "refreshing" and did a great job holding the weeknight show on her own.
One wrote on X: "I'm very much liking Ellie as the presenter." While another added: "Loving Ellie on It Takes Two." A third chimed in: "Enjoyed #ItTakesTwo this evening. Thought Ellie did a great job, I was laughing along."
In fact, the star impressed viewers so much some think she should be moved to the main Saturday night show instead, following a live cue blunder by main show co-host Josh Widdicombe. Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two airs on BBC Two Wales Monday-Thursday at 6:30pm and on Fridays at 7:45pm.
