Fleur East has reportedly been removed from the "Strictly: It Takes Two" spin-off show, weeks after she was not selected for a main hosting role on "Strictly Come Dancing." The decision comes as the popular BBC competition is undergoing a substantial revamp ahead of its September return.
East, 38, who competed on the main show in 2022 and joined "It Takes Two" the following year, will not be returning to front the spin-off. A source told The Sun that East was aware of the news but had kept it private, only sharing with close friends. "She's still in denial about it and was really upset by the decision," the source stated. "But it wasn't personal. The BBC have decided to make a number of other changes in order to give the show a fresh new feel. Sadly for Fleur, she didn't make the cut and was dropped."
The BBC and East's representatives have been contacted for comment.
This development follows East's public admission of disappointment at not being considered for the main "Strictly Come Dancing" hosting job, which ultimately went to Emma Willis. Speaking on her Hits Radio Breakfast Show, East confessed, "I've kind of lied to myself that I'd be all right with not doing it or not being considered for the job. But I'm kind of bothered."
"Strictly Come Dancing" is set to see a major change in its presenting team. Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who have hosted the main show for many years, are departing. Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe, and Josh Widdicombe are slated to take over hosting duties for the upcoming season.
Earlier in June, Janette Manrara, East's co-host on "It Takes Two," confirmed her own exit from both the spin-off and the main show. Manrara, a former professional dancer on "Strictly Come Dancing" from 2013 to 2020, had co-hosted "It Takes Two" with East since 2021. She described the changes as significant, stating, "Strictly Come Dancing has changed hugely and I am no longer a part of It Takes Two or the main show." Manrara indicated she would still be involved with the BBC in other capacities and would pursue other projects.
Several professional dancers are also reportedly no longer part of the "Strictly Come Dancing" lineup, including Luba Mushtuk, Gorka Marquez, Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, and Michelle Tsiakkas.