Strictly fans divided as Ellie Taylor lands It Takes Two hosting gig: 'All these changes may be one step too far'
Fans believe there may be too many change happeningIt Takes Two will be presented by Ellie Taylor when the Strictly Come Dancing spin-off returns, it has been announced.
Emma Willis publicly unveiled the former contestant as the programme’s new presenter during her BBC Radio 2 show on Saturday (15 August).
Building up to the reveal, Emma told listeners: “With me right now is the brand new host of It Takes Two! Mystery host of It Takes Two…”
Ellie then shared her excitement at finally being able to discuss the new job. She said on BBC Radio 2: “I am over the moon! I feel giddy. So nice to get the secret out. I’ve had the theme tune in my head since I found out… I was like, ‘ Stop it, woman’!”
She added: “It was the same when I found out I was a contestant. I am so thrilled to be back in the Strictly world. I found out a month ago, but I’ve been a good girl.”
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Fan reaction is mixed
However, fans were left divided by the news, with some claiming it’s a change too far for Strictly. When the show returns, it will have three new hosts, as well as five new pro dancers.
“The whole ‘Strictly’ era is over. So sad,” one viewer said on Instagram.
“BBC you have ruined this programme,” another moaned. “Yeah unsure of why they feel they need to completely overhaul the current format of the show . It’s a much loved and solid show with fans enjoying the dancers , presenters and format . All these changes may be one step to far,” a third said.
However, other fans were more positive. “Brilliant! It Takes Two was getting a bit stale, so hopefully a new format and life back to the show!” one fan said.
“Epic! Love @elliejanetaylor and all you do,” another wrote. “Couldn’t think of a better choice than @elliejanetaylor! Epic choice,” a third gushed.
Who is new It Takes Two host Ellie Taylor?
Ellie is a stand-up comedian and actor who played Flo “Sassy” Collins in the Apple TV series Ted Lasso.
Strictly viewers will also remember her from the 2022 series of the BBC dance contest. She competed with professional dancer Johannes Radebe and finished in seventh place.
That existing connection to the Strictly family means Ellie will now be reunited with Johannes in very different roles. While she takes charge of the weekday companion programme, Johannes is joining Emma and Josh Widdicombe as a presenter on the main show.
Ellie revealed that she had kept her new role quiet from almost everyone while waiting for the public announcement. She told Emma: “I told mummy and my partner. I didn’t tell the kids.”
Ellie Taylor replaces Fleur East and Janette Manrara
Ellie succeeds Fleur East and Janette Manrara, who presented It Takes Two during the 2025 series. Janette’s departure and reports that Fleur would not return left the programme needing a new host ahead of Strictly Come Dancing 2026.
The appointment forms part of a much wider changing of the guard across the franchise. The BBC previously named Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe as Strictly’s new presenting trio, following the departure of long-standing hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
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It Takes Two returns to BBC Two and BBC iPlayer later this year.
This article was produced with the assistance of AI technology to synthesise source reporting and structured data. It has been reviewed, edited, and fact-checked by our human editorial team before publication.
