BREAKING NEWS: Strictly Come Dancing announces name of new It Takes Two host
It Takes Two new host confirmed (Image: BBC)
BBC have announced that comedian Ellie Taylor will be the new host of Strictly Come Dancing’s spin off show, It Takes Two. She is the latest change in what will be a completely revamped programme in the new series later this year, replacing former hosts Fleur East and Janette Manrara.
The announcement was made on Emma Willis’s BBC Radio 2 show today where Ellie admitted that she knew she had the role a month a go but was sworn to secrecy. “I feel so thrilled to be back in the Strictly world,” she said. “It’s a dream come true.” In a statement later released by BBC, she added: “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. 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.)”
Article continues below
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Ellie Taylor is the new host (Image: Getty)
The TV star said explored some of the changes coming as she said “the show that everyone knows and loves but refreshed for 2026”, adding: “We’re gonna be talking to couples but also groups of celeb [contestants] and groups of pros away from their dance partners, for slightly more candid conversation.”
“One thing that we’re really keen to have is more involvement from the viewers at home,” she continued.
“You know when you have a WhatsApp chat and you’re gossiping about what’s going on with Strictly? We want it to feel like that. One big fat celebration of the wonderful world of Strictly.”
Article continues below
Rhe-an Archibald, Strictly – It Takes Two Executive Producer, BBC Studios, said: “This is Strictly – It Takes Two, reinvented for the 2026 season. With a wealth of new features and deep dives, we want to reflect the conversations happening in living rooms up and down the country – full of opinions, laughs, surprises and those moments everyone wants to talk about.
“With the fun and funny Ellie at the helm, it will be an utterly unmissable companion to Strictly Come Dancing.”
Ellie previously served as a contestant on Strictly in 2022, partnered with Johannes Radebe, and placed eighth.
The main show will see three new hosts replacing outgoing presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe are taking over the helm of the dance show when the series returns to screens in September.
