Strictly hit with another major change as It Takes Two set for overhaul

Ahead of the next series of Strictly Come Dancing, BBC bosses are planning to shake-up the entire format of the show – and now it appears that companion show It Takes Two is also set to change

Strictly fans are bracing themselves for further disruption to their much-loved show after BBC bosses are reportedly eyeing up another major shake-up. As the bloodbath of professional dancers from the BBC series continues, now producers are looking at yet another change.

After hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman officially stepped down from hosting the show last year, the search is already on for new presenters. But with the BBC starting the show afresh, companion show It Takes Two is also facing a change.

It Takes Two has already been hit after hosts Fleur East and Janette Manrara were confirmed to have left the show. Now, when it makes its comeback in September, it’s allegedly set to have a completely different format.

Instead of being hosted like a chat show or a panel show, It Takes Two will be adapted into a vodcast. This will see it replicate the style used by The Traitors: Uncloaked and The Apprentice: You’re Fired.

It’s yet to be revealed who will assume the presenting roles. However, the alleged changes seem to be some of the most substantial overhauls since the spin-off’s debut, according to the Mirror.

Speaking to the Sun, one source said: “There is definitely a creative renewal on the table for It Takes Two, and they are poised to sign off on the radical option of a vodcast. But Beeb bosses have seen it embraced on other huge BBC One shows, particularly The Traitors, where the Uncloaked aftershow got millions tuning in.

“More and more people of all ages and backgrounds enjoy podcasts and vodcasts so, despite being quite a departure, it’s actually quite a shrewd move.”

A BBC Spokesperson did not confirm nor deny the claims, saying: “Plans for strictly-come-dancing>Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be confirmed in due course.” As It Takes To gears up for a significant shake-up, the main show continues to keep fans guessing.

Following Claudia and Tess’ revelation during the last series that they were stepping down, viewers have been eagerly awaiting news of who will replace them. Several names have been floated, including Bradley Walsh and Rylan Clark, with speculation suggesting a decision could be imminent.

Reports this week indicate auditions are still underway, with a shortlist of nine potential hosts. It’s been suggested that those in contention will face off in a full-scale rehearsal of the show, performing in front of a complete judging panel and a live band.

An insider revealed: “It’s not just about reading autocue. They’ll be looking at how people work together and humour is a massive part of it. There’s everything to play for.”

Strictly’s executive producer, Sarah James, and the BBC’s head of entertainment, Kalpna Patel-Knight, are said to be keeping a close eye on the stars participating.

The source continued to tell The Sun: “Strictly is the crown jewel of the BBC. With Claudia and Tess now gone, it needs to be handled with the utmost care. Bosses are taking a very keen interest.”

For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.