Comedian and former Strictly Come Dancing contestant Ellie Taylor is set to take the helm of Strictly – It Takes Two, as the beloved companion show returns with a fresh look this autumn.
The programme will launch in September on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer, airing with new episodes every weeknight from its home at Elstree Studios. Taylor takes over hosting duties with a promise to deliver even more behind-the-scenes access and insight into what goes into producing the UK’s favourite Saturday night dance show.
What’s New This Series
While much of the show’s much-loved format remains intact — Costume Design Queen Vicky Gill will continue to keep viewers up to date on the ballroom’s fashion, and the creative team will still break down what goes into each week’s performances — several new features have been added for the 2026 revamp. These include in-depth group discussions among the celebrity contestants and among the professional dancers, often held separately from their partners, as well as a new Strictly alumni panel bringing former stars back to reflect on the current series. Fans can also expect the usual mix of training room footage, interviews and exclusive announcements the show is known for.
Taylor’s Excitement
Taylor, who competed on Strictly herself, said she felt “incredibly honoured” to follow in the footsteps of the hosts who came before her, joking that she was so excited about the role “I could cha cha” — though she added fans need not worry, as she has no plans to actually demonstrate.
BBC Commissioning Editor Helen Munson paid tribute to outgoing hosts Janette Manrara and Fleur East for their contribution to the show’s success, while Rhe-an Archibald, Executive Producer at BBC Studios, described the new series as a reinvention of the format designed to reflect the conversations and reactions happening in living rooms across the country each week.
Production Details
Strictly – It Takes Two is a BBC Studios Entertainment production. Rhe-an Archibald serves as Executive Producer, with Richard Berkshire as Series Editor and Helen Munson as the BBC’s Commissioning Editor. The show returns this September alongside the main series of Strictly Come Dancing, which airs on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Launch: September 2026, BBC Two and BBC iPlayer
