Bombshell: New Strictly Come Dancing presenter ‘revealed’ – and it is former star
A new Strictly Come Dancing host has been ‘revealed’.
Strictly Come Dancing will be back in September (Image: BBC)
Former Strictly Come Dancing star Ellie Taylor is replacing Janette Manrara on It Takes Two, according to reports. According to The Sun, executives believed previous presenters were “too boring” and are hoping Ellie can breathe new life into the programme four years after taking part in the BBC1 competition. The 42-year-old actress is reported to have finalised her agreement to fill the vacancy.
A source said: “Ellie was hugely popular with viewers when she appeared as a contestant on Strictly in 2022, and her infectious personality was also a hit with the senior production team.” Speaking to The Sun, they continued: “She very much featured in the discussions when they were looking to replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman on the main show, and although she didn’t get that job, she remained in the executive team’s thoughts.
“They were very keen to get her on It Takes Two, which they felt was too boring and needed a major revamp. So she’s been hired for the It Takes Two hosting job.”
A Strictly spokesperson has said when approached for comment: “We don’t comment on speculation.”
Ellie took part in the show four years ago, and competed with Johannes Radebe, 39, during her series. The duo finished in seventh position. Rabede has since been confirmed as one of the new show hosts for the 2026 series, along with Emma Willis and Josh Widdicombe.
The comedian has previously said she and Johannes have kept in contact over the last few years, saying: “I give him little pep talks, because I know how gruelling it can be… Johannes is just a wonderful human. I used to call him the best boyfriend.”
Ellie previously said how much she would love to host the show (Image: Getty)
She also previously told the Mirror that she had put herself in the running to host the main show after the announcement Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman were leaving.
She sad: I don’t think there is anyone in light entertainment who’d say no. It’ll be such an honour for whoever gets those jobs.
“I’ll happily cut myself a fringe if they need me to. Or dye my hair blonde. Whatever it takes, I’ll do it.”
The show is set to return in September, with the final few contestants yet to be announced.
