Strictly: It Takes Two has undergone a major overhaul for its 2026 series with new host Ellie Taylor, but not all fans are happy with the format changes, with them venting their views online
Ellie Taylor is the new host of Strictly: It Takes Two(Image: BBC)
The 2026 series of Strictly: It Takes Two made its eagerly anticipated debut on Monday, 28 September, delivering a significant overhaul to the beloved ballroom companion show. Broadcast weeknights at 6:30pm on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer, the series boasts a brand-new host, a revamped set, and sweeping format changes that have already set tongues wagging amongst devoted fans.
Comedian, presenter, and 2022 Strictly contestant Ellie Taylor has stepped up as the It Take’s Two’s sole host, replacing the former presenting duo of Janette Manrara and Fleur East. Having experienced the gruelling Strictly training process firsthand, Ellie has pledged to bring a warm, witty, and “gorgeously silly” atmosphere to the sofa.
Her debut has been met with widespread acclaim from viewers, who have welcomed her fresh and vibrant energy to the spin-off.
However, while many BBC Two viewers have taken to Ellie’s infectious enthusiasm, a considerable number of loyal fans are far from impressed following a notable change to the show’s interview format.
For the first time, celebrity contestants are being interviewed together in groups, without their professional partners present — and vice versa. During the launch episode, celebrities including Delta Goodrem, Jaime Winstone, and Chris Appleton shared the sofa while their respective pros were nowhere to be seen.
While the production team intended this to demonstrate the genuine camaraderie between the celebrities, the alteration has split viewers. Numerous disgruntled fans have taken to social media to contend that separating the couples “ruins the show,” highlighting that the very title It Takes Two is meant to celebrate the partnership between the celeb and their professional dancer.
One viewer wrote on X: “So they’re not doing interviews with the couples? Just the celebs alone? Hate that! Part of the reason I watch #ItTakesTwo is to see how the chemistry between the couples is progressing and to see the couples interacting on the sofa. Honestly I might be out already.”
Another added: “Something ironic about the Strictly spin-off show being called ‘It Takes Two’ only for them to only interview one person from each of the couples. It takes two, but we’ll only hear from one of you.”
A third echoed: “It takes two without the pros is like strictly without the dancing.”
While a fourth added: “#ItTakesTwo really is pointless without seeing the couples and their relationship together.”
Another viewer chimed in: “I have tried but the new format on #ittakestwo is not for me, biggest problem is the couples not being interviewed together.”
Fans needn’t be too worried though as tonight’s (September 30) episode of the show will reportedly feature some of the Strictly couples being interviewed together, and there will be regular interviews with couples throughout the series – in addition to the new panels with celebs and Pros.
Tonight’s programme will also feature the first Pro Panel of the series, where Ellie is joined by this year’s professional dancers Julian, Lauren and Jowita without their partners to discuss the weekend and preview Movie Week. Beyond this shake-up, the programme has unveiled a raft of additional fresh elements.
Other additions to the show include the Monday panel, which boasts a rotating line-up of former Strictly contestants and professionals, offering genuine, first-hand perspective into what the current cast is going through.
There are also extended features, including behind-the-scenes training room footage, exclusive chats with costume designer Vicky Gill, and in-depth glimpses into the creative team’s preparations.
It Takes Two has also launched with a brand-new set as part of its sweeping autumn overhaul. It now boasts a completely revamped studio backdrop and layout, designed to give the weeknight spin-off a “brighter, more contemporary look”.
However, as the new set swaps the traditional intimate two-seater sofa for a broader, multi-guest arrangement, some fans have voiced concerns that the warm, personal atmosphere of the spin-off has been lost.
Viewers on platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit have noted that cramming multiple celebrities onto a single sofa feels disjointed compared to the more focused one-on-one interviews of previous series.
What do viewers think of Ellie hosting the show?
Social media reviews for Ellie Taylor’s debut as the sole host of Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two have been overwhelmingly positive for her personally.
Viewers widely praised the comedian for her energy and presence. Many fans noted that she felt “refreshing” and did a great job holding the weeknight show on her own after replacing dual hosts Fleur East and Janette Manrara.
In fact, the reception to her individual performance was so strong that a prominent wave of fans on X (formerly Twitter) began calling for her to be moved to the flagship Saturday night show instead, following a live cue blunder by main show co-host Josh Widdicombe.
The BBC has been contacted for comment.
Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two airs on BBC Two on weeknights at 6:30pm.
