Comedian and broadcaster Ellie Taylor has officially stepped into her new role as the host of the beloved Strictly Come Dancing spin-off series, Strictly: It Takes Two. While the appointment marks a significant milestone in her professional career, the 42-year-old has candidly revealed that her two young children—an eight-year-old daughter and a two-year-old son—remain largely unimpressed by her latest high-profile achievement.
For Taylor, the transition into the world of ballroom television is a culmination of years of work in the entertainment industry. However, she noted that the domestic reality of her new schedule is viewed through a lens of childhood priorities. In a recent interview, Taylor remarked that to her children, her career shift is simply an inconvenience that interferes with their bedtime routine.
“I think children are beautifully humbling. They don’t give a monkey because all they know is that Mummy won’t be there for bedtime,” Taylor stated. She humorously acknowledged the disparity between her professional aspirations and her children’s demands, adding, “So, they view it as a great annoyance that Mummy has a dream job. They don’t care. They just want me to read The Gruffalo.”
The Evolution of the Strictly: It Takes Two Format
The announcement of Taylor’s appointment last month signals a strategic refresh for the BBC’s flagship dance competition spin-off. She takes over the mantle from previous presenters Janette Manrara and Fleur East, who have been central figures in the show’s recent history. The production team has confirmed that the new series will feature a revised format, intended to provide viewers with deeper insights into the technical and creative aspects of the Saturday night live shows.
This leadership change is part of a broader evolution within the Strictly Come Dancing ecosystem. The franchise, which has remained a cornerstone of British television since its inception in 2004, is currently undergoing a period of transition. Following the departures of long-standing main show hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly, the network is focused on maintaining the programme’s cultural relevance while introducing new voices to the format.
A Chronology of Taylor’s Journey to the Ballroom
Taylor’s relationship with the Strictly franchise is not new. Her involvement began in 2022 when she competed as a contestant, partnered with professional dancer Johannes Radebe. Her time on the show provided her with a unique perspective on the rigorous demands placed upon the celebrities and professionals alike.
Reflecting on her journey, Taylor described the moment she received the offer for the hosting role as one of pure exhilaration. “My husband was downstairs, and I sort of badly cha-cha’d into the kitchen, going da da da da da doing the Strictly theme tune,” she recalled. “I was delighted, and still am. I keep waking up in the middle of the night, being like, ‘Oh my God, I got the dream job! I can’t believe it! I cannot wait to start!’”
The professional transition has been marked by mutual respect between the outgoing and incoming talent. Taylor noted that she reached out to Fleur East following the announcement of her new position. “I did Strictly with Fleur, and when I found out I got It Takes Two, I messaged her and said I hoped I could do half as good a job as she had,” Taylor said. She expressed deep appreciation for the "lineage of brilliant presenters" who have helmed the show, noting that she intends to approach the role with the same dedication her predecessors demonstrated.
Addressing the Demands of Live Television
Taylor, known for her sharp comedic timing and energetic presence, is bracing for the unique pressures of the spin-off series. When asked about her approach to the high-stakes environment of live television, she maintained a pragmatic outlook.
“I don’t suppose I feel any more pressure than I would with any job. You just want to do any job that you get to the best of your ability,” she explained. “I’m going to go in with probably too much enthusiasm, if anything. So I feel sorry for the production staff who have to manage a Labrador level of energy.”
Her former dance partner, Johannes Radebe, has also moved into a new phase of the production, serving as a host on the main show this year. Taylor expressed pride in Radebe’s trajectory, describing it as “wonderful how things transpire.”
Strategic Implications for the BBC
The appointment of Ellie Taylor serves as a key component of the BBC’s broader strategy to reinvigorate its entertainment programming. Analysis of the current television landscape suggests that broadcasters are increasingly relying on familiar faces from the reality competition circuit to maintain audience engagement. By selecting a former contestant as a host, the network leverages existing brand loyalty while introducing a new narrative arc for the series.
The "It Takes Two" format functions as a vital conduit for viewer retention, filling the gap between the weekly live performances. By incorporating "deep dives" into the technical elements of the dances and the behind-the-scenes production, the show aims to satisfy the "super-fan" demographic that has sustained the franchise’s popularity for two decades.
Despite the changes, Taylor emphasized that the fundamental identity of the show will remain unchanged. “The dancing will always be the absolute centre of it,” she stated. “Strictly is still going to be Strictly, and It Takes Two will be a lovely little companion show which discusses that—that’s not going to change.”
Engaging the Next Generation
Despite her children’s initial apathy, Taylor is hopeful that she can eventually foster a sense of excitement within her household. She has observed that her eight-year-old daughter has shown interest in the scoring process, while her toddler son, despite his lack of understanding regarding the competitive element, has developed an affinity for the show’s signature aesthetics.
“My little one is not even three yet so he doesn’t have a clue, but he loves a sequin,” Taylor laughed. “He loves an accessory, so maybe this is the show for him.”
Taylor plans to bring her daughter to a recording of the show, banking on the allure of the hair and makeup departments to spark a more lasting interest. By creating a bridge between her professional life and her domestic reality, she hopes to turn the "great annoyance" of her work schedule into a shared experience.
Looking Ahead
As the new season approaches, the focus for both Taylor and the production team remains on quality control and continuity. The industry sentiment regarding the move has been largely positive, citing Taylor’s experience as both a performer and a comedian as a strong foundation for the role.
The success of the upcoming series will likely be measured by the ability of the new host to balance the required "freshness" of the format with the established traditions of the show. For Ellie Taylor, the mission is clear: to maintain the momentum of one of Britain’s most successful television exports while successfully navigating the daily challenge of explaining to her children why their mother is busy perfecting her own dance floor transition.
As she prepares for the launch, Taylor remains grounded, focusing on the joy of the work itself. Her message to the audience is one of optimism: “Even though the faces might be a little bit different, I think I’ve got a lot of hope that it’s going to be a brilliant series for everybody.”
