Viewers split over It Takes Two relaunch without pro dancers and with new host
The Strictly spin-off It Takes Two returned on 28 September with a new host, a new set and celebrity guests appearing without their professional partners. Viewers on social media were largely critical of the guest change but welcomed Ellie Taylor.
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The story, neutrally told
It Takes Two, the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing companion show, returned on Monday 28 September with a revamped format. The IndependentLC “The Strictly companion show returned on Monday (28 September) night to show off its revamp” Read at The Independent ↗ GB NewsR “Viewers of BBC's Strictly Come Dancing companion programme It Takes Two took to social media within minutes of Monday evening's series premiere” Read at GB News ↗ Comedian Ellie Taylor made her debut as host, replacing Janette Manrara and Fleur East. GB NewsR “who have now been replaced by comedian Ellie Taylor” Read at GB News ↗ The IndependentLC “new host and competition alum Ellie Taylor making her presenting debut” Read at The Independent ↗ The most criticised change was that celebrity contestants appeared without their professional dance partners. GB NewsR “the most contentious change saw celebrity contestants interviewed without their professional dance partners by their sides” Read at GB News ↗ The IndependentLC “viewers complained about the lack of professional dancers on the sofa” Read at The Independent ↗
Delta Goodrem, Jaime Winstone and Chris Appleton appeared in the first episode, alongside last year's winner Karen Carney and Strictly: Lights Up presenters Abi Clarke and Tyler West. GB NewsR “Delta Goodrem, Jaime Winstone and Chris Appleton all appeared on the opening episode but none were accompanied by their pros” Read at GB News ↗ The IndependentLC “last year's winner Karen Carney and Strictly: Lights Up hosts Tyler West and Abi Clarke” Read at The Independent ↗ One viewer on X asked why the BBC thought removing the pros would improve the show, and another called the change "so wrong"; the Independent also quoted viewers who enjoyed the new format. The IndependentLC “Why does BBC think getting rid of pros can make It Takes Two better”“Am I the only one that actually enjoyed It Takes Two tonight?” Read at The Independent ↗ Taylor was reported to have been well received by viewers. The IndependentLC “Taylor was well received by fans” Read at The Independent ↗ GB NewsR “Despite the format grumbles, Ms Taylor herself received a warm reception” Read at GB News ↗
The Independent added that the BBC said in July it was "factually incorrect to claim that either has been axed" from the spin-off. The IndependentLC “The BBC told The Independent in July that it was “factually incorrect to claim that either has been axed” from the spin-off.” Read at The Independent ↗
Every sentence links to the reporting it rests on.
Left1 outlet
- Framing
- Balanced reaction piece: leads with fan complaints about the missing pros, then includes positive viewer responses and background on the presenter change.
- Emphasis
- Viewer quotes for and against, the BBC's denial that the former hosts were axed, and Strictly series context.
- Leaves out or plays down
- Does not mention the new set or panel segment in detail.
- Charged language
- “so wrong”
- For example
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“The reception wasn’t completely negative, though, with some saying that they were a fan of the new format.” — The Independent
Centre0 outlets
No centre outlet in our sources has covered this story yet.
Right2 outlets
- Framing
- Frames the relaunch as a source of fan anger at the BBC, with a headline of fans fuming and 'I'm out already!'.
- Emphasis
- Immediate social media backlash and the departure from the couple-based sofa chats.
- Leaves out or plays down
- Does not mention the BBC's statement about the former hosts, or viewers who liked the new format.
- Charged language
- “fume”“immediate wave of criticism”“format shake-up”
- For example
-
“sparking an immediate wave of criticism on X” — GB News
What every side reports
- The show returned on Monday 28 September with Ellie Taylor as new host.
- Celebrity contestants appeared without their professional partners, and this drew complaints on social media.
- Ellie Taylor was well received.
- Delta Goodrem, Jaime Winstone and Chris Appleton featured in the opening episode.
Where accounts differ
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How negative the reaction was
- Left
- Reports that the reaction was not entirely negative, quoting viewers who enjoyed the new format as well as critics.
- Right
- Emphasises an immediate wave of criticism and viewers' frustration; the available text mentions only the complaints and praise for Taylor.
BBC organisation
The BBC is criticised by viewers for the change; in July it said it was incorrect to claim the former hosts had been axed.
“factually incorrect to claim that either has been axed” — The Independent
Ellie Taylor person
Taylor said she was thrilled to return to the Strictly world, and viewers welcomed her as host.
““I feel so thrilled to be back in the Strictly world,” she said at the time.” — The Independent
Left1 article
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Strictly fans say It Takes Two feels ‘so wrong’ after major format change
Mixed Reports both complaints and praise from viewers, with context on the presenter change.
Centre0 articles
No coverage yet.
Right2 articles
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GB NewsR ·
BBC Strictly fans fume over format change to spin-off show It Takes Two: 'I'm out already!'
Critical Presents the relaunch as provoking fan anger at the BBC, focusing on the absence of the pros.
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- 29 Sep 08:44 First GB NewsR BBC Strictly fans fume over format change to spin-off show It Takes Two: 'I'm out already!'
- 29 Sep 10:38 +1h 54m The IndependentLC Strictly fans say It Takes Two feels ‘so wrong’ after major format change
- 30 Sep 19:30 +34h 46m Daily ExpressR Strictly Come Dancing confirms another major change as fans say same thing
Times are when each article was published, or when we first saw it if the outlet gave no time.