Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two host Ellie Taylor has faced criticism for "forcing funny lines" during her debut on the BBC spin-off show. Taylor, a comedian who competed on Strictly in 2022, replaced former hosts Fleur East and Janette Manrara. The show's new format, which features celebrities discussing their progress without their professional partners, has also drawn criticism from viewers who have described the changes as a "total downgrade."
Fans took to social media to voice their dissatisfaction, with comments suggesting the show felt "over scripted" and that the new format missed the mark. Many viewers expressed a preference for the previous format, where celebrity contestants appeared with their dance partners to discuss their journey.
Despite the backlash, a few viewers praised Taylor's presenting, with some calling for a "good refresh" and others stating "Ellie was fab!"
This criticism of It Takes Two follows a reported ratings slump for the main Strictly Come Dancing live show. The first live episode of the series saw a drop in viewers compared to the pre-recorded launch show, a first in seven years. The new presenting team for the main show, Josh Widdicombe, Emma Willis, and Johannes Radebe, who took over from long-standing hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, have also faced scrutiny.
Viewers have complained about missed cues and fumbled lines from the new main show presenters, with particular criticism directed at the decision to employ three hosts for roles previously held by two. Josh Widdicombe, in particular, has been described by some viewers as appearing like a "spare part" next to the more experienced Emma Willis. Some fans have suggested that Widdicombe, known for his comedic work on Channel 4's The Last Leg, might be better suited to a different role within the show, such as interacting with contestants in a more informal setting.
These changes and subsequent viewer reactions represent a challenging period for the BBC's flagship ballroom dancing competition, as it navigates adjustments to both its main show and spin-off programming.