JANETTE Manrara and Fleur East are facing the axe as hosts of Strictly Come Dancing spin-off It Takes Two.

Bosses want to give BBC2’s weeknight programme a refresh following a string of damaging scandals.Fleur East and Janette Manrara pose in front of a purple glittery backdrop.
Fleur East and Janette Manrara are facing the axe as hosts of Strictly Come Dancing spin-off It Takes TwoCredit: BBC
It comes after several of the show’s professional dancers, including Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk and Michelle Tsiakkas were axed from the main show.

An industry source said: “Viewers will be shocked that this bloodbath has continued but bosses want a completely new look and fresh start for the show.

“Nobody feels safe at the moment but execs are determined to have a complete refresh after all the drama in recent years and create a new era.

“Just because Fleur and Janette aren’t on It Takes Two that’s not to say they won’t be repurposed elsewhere.

“Everyone at the BBC is keen to start with a clean slate come September, distancing themselves from damaging incidents from the past.”

Strictly has been hit by a string of scandals during the past few years, including claims of drug-taking, rape allegations and abusive behaviour towards contestants by some of the pro dancers.

Former pro Janette, 42, started hosting It Takes Two in 2021 after eight years on the main show.

She is married to fellow professional dancer Aljaz Skorjanec.

Pop star Fleur, 38, was a finalist on Strictly when she took part in 2022, before joining It Takes Two in 2023.

At one stage she was tipped as a potential replacement for Tess Daly or Claudia Winkleman, who both quit the main show in December.

But last weekend The Sun on Sunday revealed that Strictly bosses are keen to have a new male co-host to follow in the footsteps of the late Sir Bruce Forsyth as part of a trio of presenters.

They have narrowed down the candidates to telly favourites Bradley Walsh, Rylan Clark and current pro Johannes Radebe. This would be to join two female presenters.

The BBC said: “It is factually incorrect to claim that anyone has been ‘axed’.

Plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be confirmed in due course.”

Janette Manrara and Aljaz Skorjanec pose at the Julien Macdonald show during London Fashion Week.
Former pro Janette is married to professional dancer Aljaz SkorjanecCredit: PA
 

Nadiya Bychkova in a nude-colored evening gown with silver embellishments.
Nadiya Bychkova is one of the Strictly professional dancers who will not returnCredit: Getty
 

Luba Mushtuk attending the "Strictly Come Dancing" launch show red carpet arrivals.
Luba Mushtuk also learned that her time as a dancer on Strictly has come to an endCredit: Getty
 

Gorka Marquez smiling in a yellow mesh tank top and yellow pants, extending his right hand.
Spanish dancer Gorka Marquez is among the dancers set to be replaced in 2026Credit: BBC