The revamped series of Strictly Come Dancing is well underway, with the new trio of hosts already hitting headlines as they make their mark on the ballroom.
However, it’s not just the main show that has received a makeover. Spin-off series It Takes Two also undergoing significant changes - and some fans are not happy about it...
New host Ellie Taylor has replaced Janette Manrara and Fleur East, and while many were pleased with the comedian herself, lots were displeased with the format changes.
The show, which premiered on Monday, September 28, now sees the show’s celebrity contestants being interviewed without their professional dance partners.
In previous seasons, celebrities and their partners would take to the sofa to share rehearsal updates or be interviewed after their exit from the main show.
For the opening episode, Delta Goodrem, Jaime Winstone and Chris Appleton were all interviewed at the same time on the new set, but none were accompanied by their pros.
Disgruntled viewers took to social media to complain about the new format.
“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.
“Why does BBC think getting rid of pros can make It Takes Two better when the partnership between pros and celebs is the biggest part of this show? Not to mention the vast majority of the viewers are there to watch different dynamics between various couples,” bemoaned another fan.
Yet another person said that the new format was “ruining the winning formula by adding cheap gimmicks”.
Meanwhile, fans questioned when the professional dancers would later feature on the show under the new shake-up.
Some viewers were also unhappy with the new set, as one fan urged producers to “turn the lights on, and get rid of the dated 'zoo' format”.
i don’t watch strictly cause they ruined it for me years ago but i’ve just seen that it’s no longer the couples together on it takes two but just the celebs by themselves??? what’s the point 😭😭 #strictly
— cat ✨ (@lindseyspoppi) September 28, 2026
“I prefer last year's set, it’s much more cosy,” said a second person.
However, not all critiques were negative, as other social media users said they “loved it”. One user added: “Love the new format celebs without their pros. Ellie was fab!!”
“Am I the only one that actually enjoyed It Takes Two tonight? I enjoy listening to just the couples talk Strictly,” said another.
Last month, Taylor, who previously competed in the show, was also revealed to be the new presenter during Emma Willis' BBC Radio 2 programme.
In a statement sharing the news, 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)."
