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'Strictly: It Takes Two': Who is hosting it? When is it on TV? All you need to know

WARNING: Embargoed for publication until 00:00:01 on 21/09/2021 - Programme Name: It Takes Two 2021 - TX: 27/09/2021 - Episode: Generics (No. n/a) - Picture Shows:  Janette Manrara - (C) BBC - Photographer: Ray Burmiston
Janette Manrara heads up the It Takes Two team. (BBC/Ray Burmiston)

The couples have taken their first tentative steps into the ballroom, the bets are in as to who will lift the glitterball trophy and the judges have taken their seats. That leaves just one more thing to complete the Strictly Come Dancing season.

Spin-off show Strictly: It Takes Two is back and this time it has a new host in Janette Manrara, who fans of the contest will already be very familiar with.

Read more: Who are the Strictly Come Dancing 2021 couples?

Here's all you need to know about the Strictly companion programme.

When is Strictly: It Takes Two back on TV?

WARNING: Embargoed for publication until 00:00:01 on 21/09/2021 - Programme Name: It Takes Two 2021 - TX: 27/09/2021 - Episode: Generics (No. n/a) - Picture Shows:  Rylan - (C) BBC - Photographer: Ray Burmiston
Rylan Clark-Neal is back to co-host. (BBC/Ray Burmiston)

The sister show to BBC One's main contest begins after the live shows start.

It Takes Two is heading into series 19 and will air its first episode on Monday 27 September at 6.30pm on BBC Two.

You can then tune in from Monday to Friday at the same time on BBC Two throughout the Strictly series run.

Who is hosting It Takes Two?

Programme Name: It Takes Two 2021 - TX: 27/09/2021 - Episode: Generics (No. n/a) - Picture Shows:  Janette Manrara, Rylan - (C) BBC - Photographer: Ray Burmiston
It Takes Two's new dream team. (BBC/Ray Burmiston)

Just like the Strictly main show, it's rare for the presenters to change on It Takes Two – so this series marks a big difference for viewers.

Pro dancer Janette Manrara has left her spot in the cast of Strictly to take up a seat on the couch as the newest host of It Takes Two.

She will co-host alongside Rylan Clark-Neal, who has been with the show since 2019, and will replace long-serving presenter Zoe Ball who announced in the summer that she would be bowing out after 10 years in charge.

BOREHAMWOOD, ENGLAND - AUGUST 30:  Zoe Ball arrives for the Red Carpet Launch of 'Strictly Come Dancing 2016' at Elstree Studios on August 30, 2016 in Borehamwood, England.  (Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage)
Zoe Ball hosted the show for 10 years. (Karwai Tang/WireImage)

Talking about her casting, Manrara said: “It’s a dream come true to become part of the It Takes Two team! Although it’s impossible to fill in the shoes of a legend like Zoe Ball, I hope to make her and all of the Strictly fans proud.

"I will miss dancing on that iconic dance floor weekly, but forever grateful to continue being a part of the Strictly Come Dancing family!”

Before Ball took over as host in 2011, the series was fronted by Claudia Winkleman, who left after seven series to join the main show as Tess Daly's co-host.

Who is Janette Manrara?

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 26: Aljaz Skorjanec and Janette Manrara  attend the
Janette Manrara is married to Aljaz Skorjanec. (Karwai Tang/WireImage)

New host Manrara is well known to Strictly fans as one of the most popular pro dancers in the cast.

She joined Strictly as part of the dance cast in 2013 and took part in eight series before announcing earlier this year that she would be quitting the ballroom for the It Takes Two studio.

During her time on Strictly, Manrara partnered Julien MacDonald, Jake Wood, Peter Andre, Melvin Odoom, Aston Merrygold, Dr Ranj Singh, Will Bayley and HRVY.

Read more: Strictly couple Tom Fletcher and Amy Dowden hit by COVID

Manrara, 37, is married to fellow Strictly pro Aljaz Skorjanec.

She is originally from Miami and got into performing as a Salsa dancer, later taking part in the US competition So You Think You Can Dance.

What are the highlights of It Takes Two?

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - 2019/08/26: Kevin Clifton at the Strictly Come Dancing Launch at BBC Broadcasting House in London. (Photo by Keith Mayhew/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Ex-Strictly pro Kevin Clifton will return as a guest. (Keith Mayhew/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Strictly viewers will once again eagerly be tuning in to watch the couples taking part this series give their updates on how training is going, and, after the first elimination, to hear from the couple voted out each week.

Look out for favourite segments including Choreography Corner, the Strictly Pro Challenge where dancers compete over various moves, and Puttin' On The Glitz, where costume designer Vicky Gill gives a sneak peek at what the celebs will be wearing for the live shows.

Expect all of the usual appearances from celebrity superfans and ex-cast members, with former show champion Kevin Clifton lined up as a guest for the first week.

Watch: Who's judging this year's Strictly?