Comedian Ellie Taylor has taken on the role of host for the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing spin-off show, It Takes Two, succeeding Janette Manrara and Fleur East. Known for her work as the sarcastic newsreader on the satirical Mash Report and a former contestant on Strictly in 2022, Taylor brings a mix of humor and insider perspective to the show, which she describes as a “dream gig.”

Now 42, Taylor is just a few episodes into her new role, where she engages viewers by playfully bantering with celebrity contestants and professional dancers, while exploring the behind-the-scenes efforts that go into the live production. She emphasizes the show’s camp and comedic aspects, noting moments like Channel 5’s dog trainer Graeme Hall performing with a bone in his mouth, as examples of the program’s “utter ridiculousness” that she aims to highlight.

Taylor acknowledges that the initial episodes sparked some viewer backlash over the absence of professional dancers on the interview panel, which consisted solely of celebrities. Responding to the criticism, she swiftly included Strictly professionals Jowita Przystal, Julian Caillon, and Lauren Oakley on subsequent panels, reassuring fans that the drill was intentional. She welcomed the audience engagement, viewing it as part of the ongoing conversation surrounding the Strictly franchise.

Many fans have praised Taylor’s enthusiasm and called for her to replace the main Saturday night show’s presenters. Taylor revealed she was among the candidates who auditioned for the coveted hosting positions recently awarded to Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe. While she did not secure the role, she expressed gratitude for the opportunity and views landing the It Takes Two hosting job as a positive outcome. She described the disappointment of not being selected as a natural part of the industry, one that she has grown more accepting of over time.

When asked about criticism directed at the new main show hosts, particularly Widdicombe’s nervous energy and Radebe’s perceived stiffness, Taylor defended the newcomers, noting that audiences often resist change and that the trio bring a fresh, energized dynamic to the production. She stated she is content with her current role and has no immediate ambitions to take over the Saturday show.

Taylor’s career path includes journalism internships at The Times and Vogue, alongside a brief stint at men’s magazine FHM, which she recalls as a “wild” experience. She discovered her passion for stand-up comedy in her mid-twenties and gained exposure through ITV’s Show Me the Funny in 2011. Since then, she has appeared regularly on panel shows such as Mock the Week and 8 Out of 10 Cats, and completed multiple comedy tours. She credits stand-up comedy with honing her skills in comic timing and improvisation, skills she applies to her presenting duties.

Alongside It Takes Two, Taylor also covers for Emma Willis on her BBC Radio 2 show, resulting in a demanding schedule that keeps her busy six days a week. Despite the workload and public scrutiny, she remains grounded and values the trust placed in her by the BBC. Taylor is open about her introverted nature and experience with social anxiety, noting the distinction between her on-screen persona and her private self. She also balances her career with family life, acknowledging her daughter’s indifferent but supportive attitude toward her public profile.

As Taylor navigates her role amid changes in the Strictly format, she maintains a commitment to making It Takes Two a lively and integral part of the wider Strictly conversation, engaging viewers with a fresh blend of humor and insight.