Ellie Taylor to take over BBC Radio 2 show from Emma Willis during Strictly

New Strictly Come Dancing It Takes Two host Ellie Taylor is to replace Emma Willis on her BBC Radio 2 show while she presents the main show as one of its new hosts.

The 42-year-old comedian, who was a contestant on the main show in 2022, will present her first Saturday lunchtime show on September 26, when the first live show of this year’s series of Strictly airs.

Taylor has previously appeared on the station presenting its drivetime show.

She said: “I cannot wait to be back at Radio 2 and am thrilled to be looking after Emma’s Saturday show while she waltzes off to Strictly.

Willis will present Strictly alongside Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdecombe (Guy Levy/BBC)

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“I always have so much fun with the Radio 2 listeners, who can expect plenty of great tunes, guests and surprises from me, but most importantly a lot of fun.”

Willis will present her last radio show before the start of Strictly on Saturday, where she will be joined by one of the show’s judges, Anton Du Beke, from 1pm to 3pm.

Helen Thomas, head of Radio 2, said: “I’m so pleased Ellie will be joining us throughout the autumn and winter – it is always such a joy to hear her on Radio 2.

“Her warmth and laughter will be a great addition to our superstar Saturday line up, whilst Emma sashays over to the Strictly ballroom.”

Ellie Taylor was previously a contestant on the BBC1 flagship show (Ian West/PA)

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Taylor will host her first episode of It Takes Two on Monday September 28.

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

Willis will present her first Strictly main show alongside fellow new hosts Josh Widdecombe and Johannes Radebe on Saturday night.

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

Taylor was eliminated eighth in Strictly in 2022, when she was partnered by Radebe when he was one of the show’s professional dancers.