Ellie Taylor, a former contestant on "Strictly Come Dancing," has been unveiled as the new presenter for the companion show, "Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two." This announcement comes as the program prepares for a new season, bringing a fresh face to its popular segments.
The news was first publicly disclosed by Emma Willis, who hosts a Saturday lunchtime show on BBC Radio 2. Emma expressed her enthusiasm for Ellie's new role during a "Strictly special" broadcast, where Ellie herself shared her excitement about rejoining the "Strictly" family in this capacity. She humorously mentioned having kept the news under wraps for a month, eagerly anticipating the big reveal. Ellie conveyed her honor at stepping into the shoes of previous hosts and her eagerness to dive into all the show's backstage happenings and glamour.
This leadership change follows a substantial overhaul for the 2026 series of "Strictly Come Dancing." Both the main show's veteran presenters, Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, have been replaced by Emma, Josh, and Johannes, and several professional dancers have also departed. Ellie's prior popularity as a contestant in 2022, coupled with her engaging personality, made her a strong contender for the hosting role. Insiders noted that while she was considered for the main show's hosting duties, the executive team ultimately saw her as the perfect fit to revitalize "It Takes Two," which they felt needed a significant refresh. With these changes, the show aims to attract a broader audience, even as some long-time fans have questioned the recognition level of the new celebrity lineup, suggesting a shift towards engaging viewers with large social media followings rather than established household names.
Ellie Taylor's appointment as host of "Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two" signals a new chapter for the beloved series. Her genuine enthusiasm and prior experience as a contestant are expected to bring a dynamic and relatable perspective to the show. This evolution reflects the ongoing effort to keep popular entertainment programs vibrant and relevant, demonstrating that embracing fresh talent and adapting to changing audience preferences are key to sustained success and broad appeal.
