Strictly Come Dancing confirms Fleur East is new It Takes Two co-host
The BBC has confirmed that the new co-host of Strictly Come Dancing spin-off show It Takes Two will be Fleur East.
The singer-presenter is no stranger to the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom, having finished as runner-up in last year's series alongside professional partner Vito Coppola.
"I’m so excited to officially join the Strictly family," she said. "I had such an amazing time on the show last year and so cannot wait to be talking to the celebs each week on It Takes Two.
"Being a Strictly fan, I’m excited to get all the behind-the-scenes exclusives on the show. I know exactly what the next lot of celebs will be going through. It’s an incredibly fun experience, but it’s tough! Hopefully, I can offer them a bit of support and a friendly face along the way. I’m so grateful for this opportunity and can’t wait to get started!”
Fleur joins fellow co-host Janette Manrara once the new series kicks off in the autumn. She has plenty of reality TV experience, having rose to fame on The X Factor and later trekked to the jungle for I'm a Celebrity.
Executive producer Eve Winstanley said today: "Fleur is a brilliant addition to the Strictly: It Takes Two family. She has been in the contestants' shoes, so can offer the best advice, tips and insight on what to expect. We can’t wait for audiences to see Janette and Fleur together, they’re a dynamic duo.”
Previously, a sneak-peek video was shared on the BBC's official Twitter account this afternoon (June 16), showing a pair of white boots dancing some steps ahead of the big announcement.
"Who’s ready to rumba as the new host of #Strictly It Takes Two?" read the caption. "Watch @BBCTheOneShow tonight from 7pm on @BBCOne and @BBCiPlayer to find out!"
💃 Who’s ready to rumba as the new host of #Strictly It Takes Two?
👀 Watch @BBCTheOneShow tonight from 7pm on @BBCOne and @BBCiPlayer to find out! pic.twitter.com/SGw1CKuHOJ— BBC Press Office (@bbcpress) June 16, 2023
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In addition to the dancing white boots, the new host was wearing some beige leather trousers. The broadcaster clearly wasn't giving anything away when teasing the new It Takes Two host.
The announcement follows Rylan Clark's decision to step down as host of It Takes Two in April. Viewers were sad to see Clark depart after four years at the helm.
The presenter first joined the show in 2019 alongside Zoe Ball, before former Strictly pro Janette Manrara took over from Zoe following the 2020 series.
"The time has come for me to pass on the baton to someone else and explore what else life has for me. Thank you Strictly, you will always have my heart… and my dancing feet. Ry x," read Clark's statement at the time.
Related: Strictly’s Kevin Clifton reveals bond with "phenomenal" Coronation Street star
Current It Takes Two host Janette Manrara recently teased that husband Aljaž Škorjanec could be a good replacement for Rylan, especially given Aljaž quit Strictly Come Dancing as a professional last year.
"I'm not being biased, he's my husband, but if I'm gonna have a TV husband, who is better than my actual husband?" Janette told the Daily Star.
Aljaž Škorjanec was one Strictly star to address Rylan’s It Takes Two exit in April.
Reposting Rylan's own statement on his Instagram Stories, Aljaž added underneath: "What a fabulous four years it has been, sir!
"You brought so much glitz and glamour to the best show on telly! You were always my fave ITT presenter [wink emoji]!! Good luck and never forget your dancing shoes!"
Strictly Come Dancing airs on BBC One, while spin-off Strictly: It Takes Two airs on BBC Two. Both shows are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
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