'Thumbs up to it not being broken': Strictly's Ellie Taylor dashes to hospital hours before live It Takes Two show

From the Newshound archive · first published 6 October 2026.

Ellie Taylor, 42, made an emergency visit to a minor injuries unit after straining her left thumb on Monday, then raced to the BBC studios to present that evening's live episode of It Takes Two. She credited Nurse Wendy with fast-tracking her discharge so she could reach her car in time, and ultimately hosted the programme without the brace. Taylor took over the It Takes Two presenting role this year after Janette Manrara and Fleur East were dropped in the Strictly shake-up.

Taylor joked on Instagram that she was relying on the Strictly wardrobe team to have 'a glue gun and some rhinestones' ready to brighten up her brace.

Monday's episode saw the first elimination of the new series, with Chris Appleton and Amy Dowden becoming the first couple to leave the competition.

The new series has drawn mixed reactions, with viewers also surprised by the return of axed pro Nadiya Bychkova, 37, who made a surprise appearance on It Takes Two last Friday.