Comedian Ellie Taylor is one of 15 contestants on this year’s Strictly Come Dancing.
While she is known best for comedy, the 38-year-old has also enjoyed a diverse career in presenting, acting and writing.
Originally from Brentwood in Essex, Taylor began modelling after being spotted while working as an intern.
Deciding it was not for her, she started doing stand-up comedy during her mid-twenties, citing comedians like Victoria Wood as early influences.
Since then, Taylor has appeared in several TV series including 8 Out of 10 Cats, Mock the Week and Plebs.
She’s also presented shows including Snog Marry Avoid? and did a stint of hosting on Heart Radio, regularly filling in for Emma Bunton.
Taylor is a regular on Live At The Apollo and has appeared both as a performer and a host.
Outside of comedy and acting, her debut book, My Child and Other Mistakes, was published in 2021, and recently became a Sunday Times Best Seller.
Taylor shared the news in a video on her Instagram captioned: “Finally, I can let the sparkly cat out of the sequined bag and tell you I’m doing flipping @bbcstrictly!!!”
“Arghhh!!!! It’s a total dream come true,” she continued.
“I cannot begin to explain how excited/terrified I am. I promise that what I lack in dancing ability and spacial awareness I’ll make up for in fake tan and enthusiasm.”
This year’s series of Strictly Come Dancing will begin in September.
