Strictly: It Takes Two hosts Fleur East and Janette Manrara axed
Fleur East and Janette Manrara are reportedly being axed as hosts of Strictly Come Dancing spin-off It Takes Two.
Fleur East and Janette Manrara are set to be dropped as hosts of Strictly Come Dancing spin-off It Takes Two.
The Sax singer - who joined the programme in 2023, the year after she made the final as a contestant on the main show - and the professional dancer are to be let go from the weeknight show as part of a plan to shake up the Strictly franchise.
Fleur and Janette, who has been on It Takes Two since 2021, being axed comes in the wake of the departure of several of Strictly's professional dancers, including Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk and Michelle Tsiakkas, and the exits of main hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly.
A source told The Sun on Sunday newspaper: “Viewers will be shocked that this bloodbath has continued but bosses want a completely new look and fresh start for the show.
“Nobody feels safe at the moment but execs are determined to have a complete refresh after all the drama in recent years and create a new era.
“Just because Fleur and Janette aren’t on It Takes Two that’s not to say they won’t be repurposed elsewhere.
“Everyone at the BBC is keen to start with a clean slate come September, distancing themselves from damaging incidents from the past.”
Meanwhile, it was recently claimed that Rylan Clark is the new favourite to host the main show and will be undergoing screen tests with potential co-hosts in the coming weeks, including Angela Scanlon.
A source told the Daily Mail: "Rylan has a long-standing association with the show, and Angela has been a contestant.
"But the main thing is they'd be a totally new pairing – no baggage, no former shows, uniquely Strictly.
"On top of that, they want to be sure that an all-female presenting line-up isn't replaced by an old-fashioned male-female duo where the man takes on a dominant role.
"Rylan isn't like that at all. Plus, he absolutely loves the show and the viewers already love him."
Sources close to Rylan insisted he would "bite the BBC's hand off" to be part of the duo replacing departed hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly.
An insider added: "For Rylan it is his dream job. He loved It Takes Two and the viewers loved him. It would be a no-brainer.
"He has so many loyal fans. If he gets the job they will most certainly tune in to Strictly. He will be a ratings winner and the BBC know it."
While other female presenters are in the frame, Rylan is said to be "very keen" to work with Angela, and producers believe they "tick every box" as a pairing.
