BBC Strictly fans fume over format change to spin-off show It Takes Two: ‘I’m out already!’
Viewers of BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing companion programme It Takes Two took to social media within minutes of Monday evening’s series premiere to express their frustration at a significant format shake-up.
In recent years, the show was hosted by former Strictly pro Janette Manrara and former contestant Fleur East, who have now been replaced by comedian Ellie Taylor.
However, the most contentious change saw celebrity contestants interviewed without their professional dance partners by their sides, a departure from the traditional couple-based sofa chats that many fans regard as the heart of the spin-off show.
Delta Goodrem, Jaime Winstone and Chris Appleton all appeared on the opening episode but none were accompanied by their pros, sparking an immediate wave of criticism on X.
Ellie Taylor has replaced Janette Manrara and Fleur East as It Takes Two host
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BBC
The revamped programme also featured a new-look set and a fresh panel segment, with last year’s champion Karen Carney joined by Strictly: Lights Up presenters Abi Clarke and Tyler West.
Ms Taylor kicked off proceedings by teasing “some changes” before launching into a comedic summary of the weekend’s ballroom highlights.
Despite the format grumbles, Ms Taylor herself received a warm reception from the audience at home.
One viewer wrote on X: “5 minutes of watching It Takes Two and it’s clear they should have just got Ellie Taylor presenting the main show with Emma.”
Janette Manrara and Fleur East both left It Takes Two | BBC
Another fan suggested she deserved a spot on the flagship Saturday night broadcast, writing: “Maybe Ellie should host the main show. She has started Takes Two with a bang.”
The backlash over the absent professionals was swift and pointed.
“The clue’s in the title of the show. Two. A celeb AND a pro. Together on the couch having a chat,” one viewer argued on X.
Another declared the overhaul was “ruining the winning formula by adding cheap gimmicks.”
One disgruntled fan wrote: “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.”
Some BBC Strictly fans complained about the new format of the show
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BBC
The redesigned studio also drew ire, with one viewer urging producers to “turn the lights on, and get rid of the dated ‘zoo’ format,” likening the new space to a “box room.”
Some hoped the solo celebrity interviews were merely a temporary measure for the opening weeks, when all contestants remain in the competition.
Not all reactions were negative, however. A handful of viewers welcomed the refresh, with one writing: “Watched #ittakestwo Loved it!! Love the new format celebs without their pros. Ellie was fab!!”
Another offered a more measured take, saying they “enjoyed” the revamp as “a good refresh” whilst acknowledging they still missed seeing the professionals alongside their celebrity partners.
Janette Manrara fronted spin-off show It Takes Two | BBC
Ms Taylor’s appointment was announced last month during Emma Willis’s live BBC Radio 2 programme.
“I’m absolutely over the moon,” she told Ms Willis on air, adding in a statement: “What a total joy to return to Strictly in this new role.
“I feel incredibly honoured to follow in the footsteps of the phenomenal line-up of hosts who’ve made Strictly: It Takes Two so loved over the years.”
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