Strictly Come Dancing’s Emma Willis is taking a break from hosting her Saturday lunchtime show on BBC Radio 2 and a familiar face is keeping her seat warm until she returns
Emma Willis has been replaced on her BBC Radio 2 Saturday lunchtime show as she takes over as Strictly Come Dancing host.
It has been confirmed that comedian Ellie Taylor will take over the 1pm until 3pm slot from Emma this autumn and her first day will be Saturday, September 26.
Opening up on filling in for Emma, Ellie said: “I cannot wait to be back at Radio 2 and am thrilled to be looking after Emma’s Saturday show while she waltzes off to Strictly.
“I always have so much fun with the Radio 2 listeners, who can expect plenty of great tunes, guests and surprises from me, but most importantly a lot of fun.”
Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2, added: “I’m so pleased Ellie will be joining us throughout the autumn and winter – it is always such a joy to hear her on Radio 2.
“Her warmth and laughter will be a great addition to our superstar Saturday line up, whilst Emma sashays over to the Strictly ballroom.”
Emma presented her last Saturday lunchtime show of 2026 today (September 19) and was joined by special guest Strictly judge Anton du Beke as the pair looked ahead to the lauch show which airs tonight at 7.25pm.
Ellie will also be involved with the ballroom action, making her debut as the presenter of Strictly: It Takes Two from Monday, September 28, where she will be bringing more access, insight and Strictly magic than ever before.
It’s all change at Strictly with Emma taking over as host alongside co-stars comedian Josh Widdicombe and professional dancer Johannes Radebe. Presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman revealed they were leaving the BBC dancing show last year.
Ellie, who appeared on Strictly as a contestant in 2022, takes over as host of Strictly spin-off from former presenters Janette Manrara and Fleur East.
Speaking about hosting It Takes Two, Ellie said: “What a total joy to return to Strictly in this new role.
“I feel incredibly honoured to follow in the footsteps of the phenomenal line-up of hosts who’ve made Strictly It Takes Two so loved over the years.
“I can’t wait to immerse myself in all the gossip and sequins flying out of the ballroom in order to bring my fellow Strictly fans everything they need to know.
“I’m so excited, I could cha cha! (But I won’t – don’t worry… no one needs to see that again.)”
Strictly Come Dancing kicks off on Saturday, September 19 at 7.25pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer
