Strictly Come Dancing spin-off It Takes Two has a new face at the helm. Comedian and presenter Ellie Taylor has been announced as the new host of the BBC show, following the departures of Janette Manrara and Fleur East.
Taylor is no stranger to the Strictly ballroom. She competed on the show in 2022, partnering professional dancer Johannes Radebe, with the pair finishing in seventh place. Now, she is returning to the Strictly Come Dancing world in a completely different role.
Who Is Ellie Taylor?
Ellie Taylor is a comedian, presenter and former Strictly Come Dancing contestant who has now made the transition from the dancefloor to the presenter’s chair. Taylor took part in the 2022 season of Strictly, where she was partnered with Johannes Radebe. The pair made it to seventh place before being eliminated from the competition.
Speaking about her new role, Taylor said she was “absolutely over the moon” to return to the Strictly world. “What a total joy to return to Strictly in this new role. I feel incredibly honoured to follow in the footsteps of the phenomenal line-up of hosts who’ve made Strictly – It Takes Two so loved over the years,” she said.
She also joked about her dancing days, adding, “I’m so excited, I could cha cha! (But I won’t – don’t worry… no one needs to see that again.)”
Why Is Ellie Taylor Hosting It Takes Two?
Taylor’s appointment comes after Janette Manrara confirmed her departure from It Takes Two. Fleur East, who had also presented the programme, is no longer part of the presenting line-up. The BBC thanked both Manrara and East for their contribution to the long-running Strictly spin-off.
What Is Changing On Strictly It Takes Two In 2026?
The BBC has described the 2026 edition as Strictly – It Takes Two, reinvented with the show receiving a refreshed format. One of the biggest changes will be more group conversations. Rather than focusing exclusively on celebrity-professional couples, the programme will feature groups of celebrities and professional dancers talking without their usual partners.
Taylor also teased the changes, describing it as “the show that everyone knows and loves but refreshed for 2026.” She explained that the programme will feature more candid conversations between groups of celebrities and professional dancers.
A new Strictly alumni panel will also revisit the ballroom and offer insight into the weekend’s performances. Viewers can additionally expect training-room footage, exclusive interviews, announcements and behind-the-scenes features.
Will Viewers Get More Involvement In It Takes Two?
Yes. Viewer interaction is set to become a bigger part of the revamped show. Taylor said the team wants the programme to reflect the conversations happening among Strictly fans at home.
“One thing that we’re really keen to have is more involvement from the viewers at home,” she said. She compared the idea to the conversations fans have in their WhatsApp groups while watching Strictly, adding that the show should feel like “one big, fat celebration of the wonderful world of Strictly.”
When Will Strictly It Takes Two 2026 Air?
Strictly – It Takes Two will return in September 2026 on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer. The revamped programme will air every weeknight from the home of Strictly, Elstree Studios, giving fans a regular behind-the-scenes look at the competition.
Alongside Taylor, costume designer Vicky Gill will continue to offer insight into the celebrities’ ballroom looks, while members of the show’s creative team will discuss what goes into creating the performances.
