Janette Manrara has been dropped as host of Strictly Come Dancing spin-off It Takes Two, as the BBC show faces mounting controversy. The decision comes amid a series of allegations against professional dancers and staff, with the corporation struggling to secure female celebrities for the upcoming 20th-anniversary series.
Manrara, who took over from Zoe Ball in 2021, will be replaced by former contestant and TV presenter Fleur East. The change is part of a broader shake-up as the BBC seeks to restore the show's reputation following claims of inappropriate behaviour.
Recent weeks have seen two professional dancers leave the franchise under a cloud. Former pro James Jordan faced backlash after resurfaced footage from 2006 showed him shouting and swearing at his partner, actress Georgina Bouzova, during training. Jordan defended the clips, saying they were edited for entertainment and that he never received complaints from his partners.
Judge Anton Du Beke is also under investigation for a racially insensitive remark made towards his 2009 celebrity partner. The BBC's director of unscripted, Kate Phillips, stated that the corporation takes all reports of inappropriate behaviour seriously and will act accordingly.
As Strictly bosses work to contain the fallout, the show's 20th-anniversary celebrations are overshadowed by the scandals. The BBC is reportedly struggling to attract female celebrities to participate, with many hesitant due to the negative publicity.
