It Takes Two Companion Show Reportedly Set for Vodcast Format Change with Host Speculation

Apr 24, 2026, 09:41

Introduction

The BBC''s Strictly Come Dancing companion programme, It Takes Two, is reportedly undergoing a format transformation to become a vodcast, with speculation regarding changes to its presenting lineup.

Main Body

According to a source cited by The Sun, the show is set to adopt a vodcast model, in which episodes would be filmed for television viewers and simultaneously recorded for podcast listeners. This shift is intended to reflect changing audience habits, following the success of similar companion programmes such as The Traitors: Uncloaked and The Apprentice: You’re Fired. The source claimed that the change could attract millions of additional viewers and listeners, describing it as a ''shrewd move'' despite being a departure from the current format. Current hosts Janette Manrara and Fleur East have been rumoured to be leaving the programme. However, the BBC has explicitly denied these claims, stating last month that it is ''factually incorrect to claim that either has been axed.'' The Independent has contacted the BBC for further comment. It Takes Two launched in 2004 alongside the second series of Strictly Come Dancing, initially hosted by Claudia Winkleman. Subsequent hosts included Zoe Ball (until 2021) and Rylan Clark (until 2023). Manrara took over from Ball, and East replaced Clark. Separately, Ball and Clark are reportedly in contention to replace Winkleman and Tess Daly on the main Strictly series following the hosts'' departures in December. Ball has teased an upcoming ''glamorous'' project but declined to provide details, while her father, Johnny Ball, indicated that she is being considered for the role. Ball herself stated in January that she would ''love'' to host the main show but had not spoken to its producers.

Conclusion

At present, the BBC has not confirmed any changes to It Takes Two''s format or presenters, while speculation continues regarding the main show''s hosting future.

Vocabulary Learning

axed
Informal term meaning to cancel or dismiss someone from a job.非正式用語，指取消或解僱某人。
Example:The BBC denied that the hosts have been axed from It Takes Two.
departure
A change from what is usual or expected; a divergence.與常規或預期不同的改變；偏離。
Example:The new vodcast model is a departure from the current format of It Takes Two.
in contention
Competing for a position or prize; having a chance to win.競爭某個職位或獎項；有機會獲勝。
Example:Ball and Clark are reportedly in contention to replace the main Strictly hosts.
shrewd move
A clever and practical decision that shows good judgment.精明之舉，顯示良好判斷力的明智決定。
Example:The source described the format change as a shrewd move to attract more viewers.
teased
Hinted at something in a playful or secretive way.以玩笑或神秘的方式暗示某事。
Example:Ball has teased an upcoming glamorous project but declined to provide details.

Sentence Learning

This shift is intended to reflect changing audience habits, following the success of similar companion programmes such as The Traitors: Uncloaked and The Apprentice: You’re Fired.
Passive voice ("is intended") emphasizes the action rather than who intends it. The participle phrase "following..." provides a reason or cause.被動語態（「is intended」）強調動作本身而非執行者。分詞短語「following...」提供原因或因果關係。
The source claimed that the change could attract millions of additional viewers and listeners, describing it as a ''shrewd move'' despite being a departure from the current format.
"despite" shows contrast between "shrewd move" and "departure". The participle "describing" adds extra information about the source's claim.「despite」表示對比，將「明智之舉」與「偏離現有形式」對比。分詞「describing」補充關於消息來源說法的額外信息。
However, the BBC has explicitly denied these claims, stating last month that it is ''factually incorrect to claim that either has been axed.''
"However" signals a contrast. Passive voice "has been axed" focuses on the action. "stating" is a participle providing additional detail about the denial.「However」標示對比。被動語態「has been axed」聚焦於動作本身。「stating」是分詞，提供關於否認的額外細節。
It Takes Two launched in 2004 alongside the second series of Strictly Come Dancing, initially hosted by Claudia Winkleman.
Passive voice "hosted by" indicates who performed the action. The phrase "initially hosted" provides background information about the show's history.被動語態「hosted by」指出動作的執行者。「initially hosted」提供關於節目歷史的背景資訊。
Ball has teased an upcoming ''glamorous'' project but declined to provide details, while her father, Johnny Ball, indicated that she is being considered for the role.
"while" shows contrast between Ball's actions and her father's statement. Passive "is being considered" focuses on the action of consideration.「while」顯示Ball的行為與她父親的陳述之間的對比。被動語態「is being considered」聚焦於被考慮的動作。