In a dramatic shake-up that has sent ripples through the Strictly Come Dancing universe, the BBC has confirmed that former contestant Ellie Taylor will take over as the new host of the beloved spin-off show It Takes Two. The announcement was made live on BBC Radio 2 on Saturday, August 15, by Emma Willis, herself a newly appointed main host of the flagship series. Taylor, who famously competed on the dance floor in a previous season, will step into the presenter’s chair beginning in September, replacing the departing duo of Janette Manrara and Fleur East.
The news broke during Emma Willis’s weekend radio program, stunning listeners and fans alike. Willis, who was recently unveiled as one of Strictly’s new main hosts alongside Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe, delivered the exclusive with characteristic energy. “This is a massive moment for the show,” she said on air, before revealing that Taylor had already been in rehearsals for her new role.
The swift confirmation ends months of speculation about the future of It Takes Two, which had been rumored to be undergoing a major overhaul.
Speaking live on air moments after the announcement, an emotional Ellie Taylor described herself as “absolutely over the moon” about the unexpected opportunity. “I never imagined I’d be back in the Strictly world in this way,” she said, her voice trembling with excitement. “To go from being a contestant to hosting the show that gives fans all the behind-the-scenes magic is a dream come true.
I can’t wait to get started.” Taylor’s infectious enthusiasm has already won over many skeptics who questioned whether a former contestant could bring fresh energy to the spin-off.
Taylor is no stranger to the Strictly ballroom. She first appeared as a contestant in 2022, where her journey captivated audiences with a mix of charm and determination. Though she did not lift the glitterball trophy, she became a fan favorite for her relatable personality and growth throughout the competition.
Now, she will trade her dance shoes for a microphone, stepping into a role that demands both quick wit and deep knowledge of the show’s intricate dynamics. Sources close to the production say Taylor’s familiarity with the pressure of live performances made her an ideal candidate.
The shake-up at It Takes Two comes after months of behind-the-scenes turbulence. Janette Manrara, who had hosted the spin-off since 2021, confirmed earlier this year that she would not be returning, fueling rumors that the show was heading for a complete reboot. Fleur East, who joined as co-host in 2023, also departed, leaving a significant void.
Producers have remained tight-lipped about the reasons for the exodus, but insiders suggest a desire to “refresh the brand” and attract a younger demographic. Taylor’s appointment is seen as a strategic move to blend nostalgia with modernity.
The latest hosting announcement arrives just days after another bombshell: the full Strictly Come Dancing 2026 celebrity cast was finally completed. The final addition was Melanie Walters, the beloved Gavin and Stacey actress, who was officially confirmed on Wednesday, August 12. Walters, known for her comedic timing and warm screen presence, will take to the dance floor alongside a star-studded lineup that includes Lacey Turner, Danny Dyer, Delta Goodrem, Chris Appleton, Katya Jones, Will Best, Dame Sarah Story, and Jamie Winstone.
The roster also features Bethany Antonia, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Graham Hall, Laurence Robb, Bobby Skinstad, and John Nelmes.
The cast list reads like a who’s who of British entertainment and sports. Lacey Turner, a stalwart of EastEnders, brings a massive soap fanbase. Danny Dyer, former EastEnders star and national treasure, will undoubtedly bring his trademark cockney swagger to the floor.
Australian pop icon Delta Goodrem adds international star power, while celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton, known for his work with the Kardashians, brings a glamorous edge. Dame Sarah Story, the celebrated journalist, and Jamie Winstone, daughter of acting royalty, round out a diverse and unpredictable group.
The inclusion of Melanie Walters was a closely guarded secret until the last moment. Producers had teased a “major surprise” for weeks, and the actress’s name was leaked only hours before the official confirmation. Walters, who played Pam in Gavin and Stacey, said she was “terrified but thrilled” to join the competition.
“I’ve been a Strictly fan for years, and now I get to live the dream,” she told BBC News. “I just hope I don’t trip over my own feet on live television.” Her casting has already sparked intense speculation about her potential dance partner.
With a brand new presenting team and a completely refreshed celebrity lineup, Strictly Come Dancing 2026 is shaping up to be one of the show’s biggest shake-ups yet. The main show will now be fronted by Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe, a trio that brings together mainstream appeal, comedy, and professional dance expertise. Radebe, a former professional dancer on the show, will add authentic ballroom knowledge to the main presenting table.
The dynamic has already drawn comparisons to the golden era of Bruce Forsyth and Tess Daly.
Industry analysts are calling this season a “reset” for the franchise, which has faced declining viewership in recent years. The BBC has invested heavily in the 2026 series, with a reported budget increase of 15 percent. The new It Takes Two host is seen as a key piece of that puzzle.
Ellie Taylor’s appointment is particularly significant because she represents a bridge between the show’s traditional fanbase and younger audiences who discovered her through her stand-up comedy and social media presence. “She’s relatable, funny, and she’s been in the contestants’ shoes,” said a senior BBC insider.
The production team has already begun filming promotional content for the new season, with Taylor spotted at Elstree Studios earlier this week. Sources say she has been working closely with the show’s creative director to develop a new format for It Takes Two. While the spin-off will retain its core elements—celebrity interviews, training updates, and behind-the-scenes access—there are whispers of revamped segments, including a live audience component and interactive social media integration.
The show will air daily on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer.
Fans have reacted with a mix of excitement and caution on social media. Many praised Taylor’s natural charisma and her previous experience on the show, noting that she understands the emotional rollercoaster contestants endure. “She’ll bring real empathy to the interviews,” one fan tweeted.
Others expressed bittersweet feelings about the departure of Janette Manrara, who had become a beloved figure over her four-year tenure. “Janette was the heart of It Takes Two, but Ellie is a fantastic choice,” wrote another viewer. The BBC has assured that Manrara will remain involved in other projects within the Strictly family.
The timing of the announcement is strategic. By revealing the hosting change in mid-August, the BBC aims to build momentum ahead of the show’s launch in late September. The full celebrity cast reveal earlier this week generated significant buzz, and the Taylor news is expected to dominate entertainment headlines for days.
Media commentators are already predicting a ratings surge, especially among younger demographics who follow Taylor’s comedy career. Her stand-up specials on Netflix have garnered millions of views, and her TV appearances on shows like The Last Leg have made her a household name.
Ellie Taylor’s journey from contestant to host mirrors a broader trend in reality television. Former participants are increasingly being tapped to lead spin-offs and companion shows, leveraging their insider knowledge and built-in fanbases. Examples include Iain Stirling on Love Island, AJ Odudu on Big Brother, and Maya Jama on Love Island.
Taylor’s appointment solidifies this pattern on Strictly, a show that has historically relied on professional presenters or journalists. “It’s a smart move,” said media analyst Sarah Knott. “She’s already proven she can handle live TV under pressure, and she has the authenticity that viewers crave.”
The celebrity cast for 2026 is already generating heated debates about who will lift the glitterball trophy. Early odds favor Danny Dyer, whose larger-than-life personality could translate well to the dance floor, and Delta Goodrem, who brings professional vocal training and performance experience. But dark horses include rugby legend Shaun Wright-Phillips, whose athletic background might give him an advantage in physical routines, and Bethany Antonia, a rising star from Netflix’s Stay Close.
The professional dancers, who have been paired with celebrities in a closed process, are expected to be announced in the coming days.
Producers are also bracing for the inevitable controversies that come with a diverse cast. The inclusion of Dame Sarah Story, a polarizing figure in British journalism, has already sparked debate on social media. Some fans have questioned whether her combative interviewing style will translate to the gracious environment of Strictly.
Others have defended her, noting that the show thrives on unexpected personalities. Meanwhile, the presence of Chris Appleton, a celebrity hairstylist with a massive Instagram following, raises questions about whether the show is prioritizing social media clout over dance talent.
Behind the scenes, the production team has been working around the clock to finalize every detail. The first group photo of the 2026 cast was taken this morning at the iconic Blackpool Tower, a location that will host the annual special in November. Sources say the atmosphere was electric, with celebrities bonding over shared nerves and excitement.
Ellie Taylor was not present for the photo, as she was in rehearsals for her new presenting role, but she is expected to join the cast for the official launch event next week.
The BBC has also confirmed that the traditional launch show, which introduces the celebrity-professional pairings, will air on Friday, September 18, on BBC One. The show will be hosted by the new main presenting trio for the first time. Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe underwent a series of test runs last month, and early feedback from test audiences has been overwhelmingly positive.
“They have incredible chemistry,” a production insider said. “It feels like a natural evolution of the show.”
As the Strictly machine revs up for its 2026 season, all eyes are on Ellie Taylor. She will make her debut as It Takes Two host on Monday, September 21, with a live broadcast from the Elstree studios. The first episode will feature interviews with the newly announced couples, exclusive training footage, and a special segment where Taylor will share her own experiences from the competition.
The show will also launch a new theme song and updated graphics, signaling a fresh era for the spin-off.
The stakes are high. Strictly Come Dancing remains the BBC’s flagship entertainment program, drawing millions of viewers each week. The 2025 season saw a 12 percent dip in ratings, prompting executives to demand a “creative reset.”
The hiring of Ellie Taylor, along with the new main hosts, is seen as a direct response to that pressure. If the new formula works, the show could regain its position as the UK’s most-watched Saturday night program. If it fails, the consequences could be severe for the future of the franchise.
For now, Taylor is focusing on the immediate task at hand. In her radio interview, she revealed that she has already begun dancing again to prepare for the role. “I’m taking lessons to stay in shape,” she laughed.
“I want to be able to jump up and join the pros if needed.” The comment sparked immediate speculation that Taylor might occasionally perform on It Takes Two, a move that could further blur the lines between host and entertainer. The BBC has not confirmed whether that will happen, but the idea has generated buzz.
The ripple effects of the announcement have also been felt by the departing hosts. Janette Manrara, who has been a staple of the show since 2021, issued a statement on social media congratulating Taylor. “I am so excited for Ellie.
She will be brilliant,” Manrara wrote. “I’m off to new adventures, but Strictly will always be my home.” Fleur East, who left to focus on her music career, also expressed support.
“It Takes Two is in good hands,” she posted. Both women are expected to appear as guests on the show later in the season.
As the news cycle continues to churn, the broader implications for the entertainment industry are becoming clear. The BBC’s willingness to shake up the format suggests that no show, no matter how beloved, is immune to change. The 2026 season of Strictly Come Dancing will be a test case for whether a bold reinvention can reverse declining viewership trends.
If Ellie Taylor succeeds, she may well become the face of a new era. If she stumbles, the show will have to look for yet another reset.
But for now, the mood is one of optimism. The BBC has released a promotional image of Taylor standing in the empty It Takes Two studio, holding a microphone and smiling. The caption reads: “The ballroom has a new voice.”
Fans are already counting down the days until September. The countdown has begun, and the dance floor is ready.
