Fleur East has is understood to be “really upset” after being “axed” from her role on Strictly Come Dancing’s companion programme It Takes Two.
The 38-year-old singer is said to be departing the BBC Two weekday show alongside former professional dancer Janette Manrara, who recently confirmed she would not be returning for the upcoming series.
Their exits form part of a sweeping transformation of the Strictly franchise following the departure of long-standing main show hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman at the end of last year’s series.
Ms East joined It Takes Two in 2023, twelve months after competing on the main programme where she finished runner-up with professional partner Vito Coppola.
Fleur East has hosted Strictly: It Takes Two since 2023 | BBC
The BBC has declined to confirm the reports, with a spokesperson stating that plans for Strictly “will be announced in due course”.
According to an insider, Ms East has been keeping the news under wraps for as long as possible, sharing it only with those closest to her.
“She’s still in denial about it and was really upset by the decision. But it wasn’t personal,” a source told The Sun.
The blow comes after Ms East had also put herself forward for the main presenting vacancy left by Ms Daly and Ms Winkleman, only to be passed over for the role.
Speaking on her Hits Radio Breakfast Show last month with co-hosts James Barr and Will Best, the singer acknowledged her true feelings about missing out on the flagship position.
“I’ve kind of lied to myself that I’d be all right with not doing it or not being considered for the job. But I’m kind of bothered,” she admitted.
Ms East reflected on how close she had come to securing one of television’s most coveted presenting jobs.
“I think it’s ok to admit that being faced with the opportunity of such an incredible job. I mean, it’s an amazing show,” she said.
Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly filmed their final BBC Strictly episode last year | BBC
“I’ve not only had the privilege and pleasure of being on it, but then also hosting It Takes Two and being part of the family, it’s been an incredible job to be a part of.”
The former X Factor star confessed she had tried to temper her expectations whilst secretly hoping for the call.
“So, when you’re within touching distance of something like that, and even considering it for a minute, I never allowed myself to really go fully there, but I did think about it. I was like, ‘that would be amazing.'”
The main presenting duties have instead been handed to Emma Willis, comedian Josh Widdicombe and professional dancer Johannes Radebe, who will make their debut when the programme returns in September.
Mr Radebe has been part of the Strictly professional lineup since 2018, whilst Ms Willis and Mr Widdicombe impressed executives during auditions held in April.
The shake-up extends beyond the presenting team, with professional dancers Karen Hauer, Gorka Márquez, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk and Michelle Tsiakkas all departing the show.
Several celebrity contestants have already been announced for the forthcoming series, including EastEnders actress Lacey Turner, Love Island winner Dani Dyer, Australian singer Delta Goodrem and celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton, whose clients include Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez.