Strictly Come Dancing Bosses Deny The Hosts Of It Takes Two Have Been 'Axed'
The BBC has responded to speculation about the future of the Strictly Come Dancing companion show It Takes Two.
Amid widespread rumours about a shake-up ahead of this year’s season of Strictly, The Sun published a piece over the weekend claiming that the spin-off show’s presenters Janette Manrara and Fleur East were being “axed” in further changes to the franchise.
However, a spokesperson for the show has now issued a statement to Metro refuting this version of events.
“It is factually incorrect to claim that either [Janette or Fleur] has been ‘axed’,” they said, adding that “plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be confirmed in due course”.
Janette was previously a Strictly pro for eight seasons before landing the role as host of It Takes Two in 2021.
After two seasons co-hosting with Rylan Clark, he was replaced by former Strictly contestant Fleur.
Strictly is currently on the hunt for two new hosts for the main show in the lead-up to its return in the autumn, following the departures of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman at the end of last year.
Long-serving professional dancer Karen Hauer has also confirmed that she will not be returning to the dance floor the next season of Strictly, with four more members of the show’s resident troupe also heavily rumoured to be facing the axe.
Karen told her Instagram followers over the weekend: “After 14 years on Strictly Come Dancing, I’ve decided this is the right time for me to close this chapter and take on new projects in other areas that I’m passionate about.
“Strictly completely changed my life, not only as a performer and a teacher, but as a human being. I’ve had the privilege of meeting so many incredible people, and brilliant celebrity partners who have become close friends and people I admire so much.”