Ellie Taylor has been confirmed as the new host of the Strictly Come Dancing spin-off It Takes Two, following an announcement by Emma Willis on BBC Radio 2. The former contestant will take over the role from September, replacing Janette Manrara and Fleur East, who previously fronted the BBC Two programme.
Emma Willis reveals new host during live broadcast
During her live programme on BBC Radio 2 on Saturday, August 15, Emma Willis revealed that Ellie Taylor would be taking over the Strictly spin-off. Emma, who was announced as one of the new hosts of Strictly alongside Josh Widdecombe and Johannes Radebe just months ago, made the announcement on air.
Speaking live on the show, Ellie expressed her excitement, saying: "I'm absolutely over the moon." The announcement comes after reports of a shake-up in the show's presenting team, with Janette Manrara confirming earlier this year that she would not be returning.
2026 celebrity line-up completed
The unveiling of the new It Takes Two host comes just days after the full 2026 celebrity line-up was confirmed. Gavin and Stacey actress Melanie Walters completed the cast on Wednesday, August 12. She joins a star-studded roster including Lacey Turner, Dani Dyer, Delta Goodrem, Chris Appleton, Cach Mercer, Will Best, Dame Sarah Storey, and Jaime Winstone.
The line-up is rounded out by Bethany Antonia, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Graeme Hall, Lawrence Robb, Tabby Stoecker, and John Nellis. Strictly Come Dancing will return to screens this September, with the new It Takes Two host set to begin her tenure alongside the new series.
