Ellie Taylor for Strictly - It Takes Two / BBC / Karla Gowlett
Ellie Taylor has been named as the new host of BBC Two’s Strictly Come Dancing companion show Strictly – It Takes Two.
Much like the parent show, the spinoff is undergoing an overhaul this year – and as part of the changes, presenting duo Janette Manrara and Fleur East are departing the programme.
Comedian Taylor previously competed in the show in 2022, being eliminated eighth, and was partnered with Johannes Radebe – one of the new hosting trio at the helm of the main show.
“What a total joy to return to Strictly in this new role,” she said. “I feel incredibly honoured to follow in the footsteps of the phenomenal lineup 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.)”
BBC commissioning editor Helen Munson added: “We’d like to say a huge thank you to the brilliant Janette Manrara and Fleur East, who’ve been a massive part of It Takes Two‘s continued success over the years.
“It Takes Two is a joy to make and we’re so proud to have it on the BBC every autumn. As we embark on what will be an incredibly exciting new series of Strictly, we can’t wait to be there every step of the way.”
The BBC has also confirmed that Strictly – It Takes Two will remain a studio-based format, contradicting media reports that it would be transforming into a visualised podcast.
