The new host of the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing spin-off show has been announced after Rylan Clark confirmed he would be stepping down following four years as host. It Takes Two was originally hosted by Claudia Winkleman, but Zoe Ball took over in 2011 and was eventually joined by Rylan as a co-host.
Rylan confirmed he would be stepping down from the show himself earlier this year. In a statement, the former X-Factor contestant and Radio 2 host said: "After four fantastic years it's time for me to hang up my glittery jacket and say goodbye to It Takes Two.
"I've had the best time hosting alongside Janette and Zoe and I can't thank the amazing team enough for always putting on a great show." Janette Manrara was confirmed as Zoe Ball's replacement in 2021, the Mirror reports.
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Following Rylan's announcement, his replacement was officially confirmed during the latest edition of The One Show on Friday (June 16). Hosts Alex Jones and Roman Kemp confirmed that Fleur East would be taking over, with Fleur joining them in the studio to share the news.
She said: "I couldn't believe it, I still can't believe it in some ways. With Rylan gone, I have some big boots to fill.
Speaking on the change from being on the dance floor to asking the questions on It Takes Two, she said: "It's a lot of relief because the stress is unreal. But, at the same time because I'm such a huge fan of the show, I'm just so excited that I get to be in and see all the exclusives before anyone else."
Ahead of the announcement, Strictly teased the reveal by sharing a cryptic video on Twitter of the mystery host, whose identity was hidden, dancing in a pair of beige trousers and white boots.
The caption read: "Who’s ready to rumba as the new host of Strictly It Takes Two? Tune into @BBCTheOneShow at 7pm tonight to find out! Who do you think it is?"
Rylan's statement earlier in the year continued: "I've been welcomed into the Strictly family and will firmly hold that title dear to me. 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." When the news of Rylan's exit was announced, Strictly's official Twitter page paid tribute to the star.
They wrote: "Thank you Rylan for the last four years, continuing the sparkle of Saturday night throughout the week. You will be sorely missed by the entire Strictly family."
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