Comedian and former Strictly Come Dancing contestant Ellie Taylor has been announced as the new host of the show's spin-off program, It Takes Two. The news was revealed by Emma Willis on her BBC Radio 2 show.
Taylor, who competed on Strictly in 2022 with professional partner Johannes Radebe, expressed her excitement about returning to the Strictly universe in a new capacity. "What a total joy to return to Strictly in this new role," Taylor stated. "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."
The announcement comes as part of a larger revamp for the Strictly franchise. While Taylor takes over It Takes Two, the main show will see new presenters Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe stepping in for long-time hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. Daly hosted the main show for 21 years, with Winkleman co-hosting for 15 of those.
Sources indicate that Taylor was a popular choice for the production team due to her infectious personality, which was a hit during her time as a contestant. Although she was considered for a role on the main show, executives felt she was a strong fit for It Takes Two, which they aimed to revitalize. This follows the departure of previous It Takes Two hosts Fleur East and Janette Manrara.
The line-up for the upcoming main series has also drawn discussion, with some viewers questioning the celebrity pairings. While well-known figures like Dani Dyer and Jamie Winstone are part of the cast, many other contestants are less recognizable to the general public. Producers reportedly prioritized contestants with large social media followings, aiming to appeal to younger demographics, though the show's core audience remains older generations.