Strictly Come Dancing's long-running companion programme, It Takes Two, is reportedly set to undergo a significant transformation, with BBC bosses considering turning it into a video podcast. The move comes amid reports that current hosts Janette Manrara and Fleur East face an uncertain future on the show.
Major Format Shift for It Takes Two
The programme, which has aired since 2004 and provides behind-the-scenes coverage of the main dancing competition, is said to be following the format of other successful BBC spin-offs like The Traitors: Uncloaked. An insider told The Sun: 'There is definitely a creative renewal on the table for It Takes Two, and they are poised to sign off on the radical option of a vodcast.' The source added that the BBC has seen the vodcast format embraced by audiences on other shows, particularly The Traitors, whose after-show attracted millions of viewers.
The shake-up is part of a broader overhaul of the Strictly franchise, sparked by the departure of long-time main show hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly in 2025. The insider explained: 'More and more people of all ages and backgrounds enjoy podcasts and vodcasts, so, despite being quite a departure, it's actually quite a shrewd move.'
Hosts at Risk
Earlier this year, reports emerged that Janette Manrara, 42, and Fleur East, 38, were 'at risk' of being axed as part of the changes. While the BBC initially insisted both hosts were safe, releasing a statement that it was 'incorrect to claim that either has been axed', Manrara later admitted to BBC Breakfast that she 'didn't know' about her future, saying: 'We'll have to wait and find out. I think everyone at the moment is on standby, so we'll see what happens.'
A source told The Sun in March that the show was undergoing a 'bloodbath of top talent', adding: 'Fans will be stunned that this bloodbath is continuing, but bosses are determined to overhaul the show completely. Nobody feels safe right now and there's a real drive behind the scenes to usher in a fresh era after all the recent drama.' The source emphasised that the priority is a 'clean slate by September' and putting distance between the show and recent controversies.
History of It Takes Two
It Takes Two was originally hosted by Claudia Winkleman from 2004 to 2010, before she moved to co-host the main show with Tess Daly. Zoe Ball took over in 2010, later joined by Rylan Clark in 2019. Janette Manrara, a former professional dancer on Strictly from 2013 to 2020, replaced Zoe in 2021, and Fleur East stepped in when Rylan left. The show has been a staple for fans seeking gossip and analysis between episodes.
Broader Strictly Shake-Up
The changes to It Takes Two are part of a wider reshuffle of the Strictly Come Dancing cast. Professional dancer Karen Hauer recently confirmed her departure in an emotional video, saying: 'After 14 years on Strictly Come Dancing, I've decided this is the right time for me to close this chapter.' Other dancers leaving include Gorka Márquez, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, and Michelle Tsiakkas, marking one of the biggest cast shake-ups in recent years. Aljaž Skorjanec has also commented on the changes, speculating on what they might mean for his role.
The BBC has not yet confirmed the new format for It Takes Two, but the insider suggested that Janette and Fleur may not be 'out of the picture entirely', with possible roles elsewhere in the BBC. Strictly Come Dancing and It Takes Two are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
