Comedian and former Strictly Come Dancing contestant Ellie Taylor has been announced as the new host of Strictly – It Takes Two.

The 42-year-old will present a new look version of the magazine show, which is a spin-off from the main BBC dancing programme, with Strictly costume designer Vicky Gill returning to the show.

Taylor will replace Janette Manrara and Fleur East as the presenter of the show, with Manrara having confirmed her departure in June and East reportedly leaving the programme around the same time.

She said: “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.

“I can’t wait to immerse myself in all the gossip and sequins flying out of the ballroom in order to bring my fellow Strictly fans everything they need to know. I’m so excited, I could cha cha, but I won’t, don’t worry, no one needs to see that again.”

Taylor was eliminated eighth in Strictly in 2022, when she was partnered by professional dancer Johannes Radebe, who is one of the main show’s new presenters alongside broadcaster Emma Willis and comedian Josh Widdicombe.

The new main show presenters will replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who announced they were leaving the show late last year.

Taylor appeared as a contestant on Strictly in 2022 (Ian West/PA)

PA Wire

The BBC has also confirmed five new professional dancers are joining the show this year in Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi, Maddie Ingoldsby, and Mark Karmalita.

Strictly will return in September on BBC One and iPlayer, with the celebrity contestants including former Love Island winner Dani Dyer-Bowen, actress Melanie Walters, former England footballer Shaun Wright-Phillips and Australian singer Delta Goodrem.

Strictly – It Takes Two will also return in September on BBC Two and iPlayer.