More Strictly shake-ups.
Fleur East is rumoured to be the latest person not returning to Strictly Come Dancing this year, as a new report claims the presenter has exited spin-off show It Takes Two.
After Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced their departures last year, the show is going through a major overhaul going into the 2026 season.
Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe are our new trio of presenters, while professional dancers Michelle Tsiakkas, Luba Mushtuk, Nadiya Bychkova, Gorka Márquez and Karen Hauer, and It Takes Two co-host Janette Manrara have announced their departures.
Now The Sun has reported that Fleur is also leaving the spin-off show, as show bosses look to make big overhauls.
When asked about the claims, a BBC spokesperson told Digital Spy: “Further plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be confirmed in due course.” At the time of writing, Fleur has not commented on the rumours.
After reports claimed that new presenter Emma had landed a job on the main show, but before it was officially confirmed, Fleur revealed that she went for the role and was gutted not to get the call.
“I’ve kind of lied to myself that I’d be all right with not doing it or not being considered for the job. But I think I’m kind of bothered… I think it’s okay to admit that,” she said.
“Strictly‘s an amazing show. I’ve not only had the privilege and pleasure of being on it, but then also hosting It Takes Two and being part of the family, it’s been an incredible job to be a part of.
“So when you’re within touching distance of something like that, and even considering it for a minute… I never allowed myself to really go fully there, but I did think about it. I was like, ‘That would be amazing.'”
Beyond the axed professionals and new hosts, a few celebrity contestants for this year’s series have been announced, including Dani Dyer, Lacey Turner and Delta Goodrem. We don’t yet know, however, who’ll be replacing the departed professional dancers on the show.
One thing we do know, is that former Strictly pro James Jordan thinks that the axing “could have gone further”.
