Rylan Clark-Neal joining the Strictly Come Dancing team is the second big shake-up for the series so far this year.
The Big Brother Bit on the Side host was announced earlier today as a co-host Rylan Clark Neal joining Strictly It Takes Two with Zoe Ball as co-host .
It comes as Darcey Bussell revealed she was stepping down from the show as a judge, and BBC bosses left looking for her replacement.
When the BBC dancing competition kicks off each year, Zoe is at the helm ever weeknight to deliver all the behind-the-scenes gossip from wardrobe, make-up and rehearsals with the celebrities.
She has hosted the show solo since taking over from Claudia Winkleman in 2011, so news that Rylan is joining suggests that Zoe could be reducing her duties on the series.
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Zoe already has a busy schedule after taking over the prestigious BBC 2 Radio Breakfast Show spot , and it was rumoured that she would be stepping down after eight years of presenting earlier this year.
Fans have speculated that the introduction of a co-host will help her balance her radio and TV role instead.
"Maybe if Zoe has other commitments this year there’ll need to be another presenter to be there instead?"
"Cos she’s obviously too pushed now with her breakfast show I thought they filmed 2 in a row anyway Dylan’s ok but @ianwaite or Gethin should have got the gig Bit worried strictly and ITT have had their day if it’s all changing for the worst
"Presumably this is a gentle way of @ZoetheBall stepping away from It Takes Two altogether now that she’s doing the @BBCRadio2 breakfast show.
"Inevitable I’d say but such a shame, she’s fab, she’s been there done that, Rylan can be fun but what are his credentials?!
Zoe said on her breakfast show after the news was announced: "I adore Rylan, he’s an absolute wonder, I love his daftness and naughtiness and he’s a brilliant live telly host.
"He’ll fit right into our ‘It Takes Two’ family. Can’t wait for this new season to start, it’s going be a hoot!"
The radio host has long-presented It Takes Two with the help of Strictly professionals Ian Waite and Karen Hardy, as well as TV presenter Gethin Jones getting the gossip from backstage in the studio.
BBC reps for Strictly have been contacted for further information on how exactly the show will run, but Rylan's light-hearted and cheeky style of presenting will no doubt be a hit with younger audiences.
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Rylan said in a tweet that he was thrilled to be hosting "alongside" Zoe, which also rules out any chance of the former CBB star taking part as a contestant this year.
He proved a hit when he appeared on the last series to help Claudia read out the terms and conditions.
Some fans even called for Fans call for Rylan Clark-Neal to replace Tess Daly after Strictly cameo on the main show after his comic turn back in November.
And he dropped serious hints earlier this year that he was in talks with BBC bosses to be part of the show as it was rumoured they were "desperate" to sign him up.
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Rylan Clark Neal joining Strictly It Takes Two with Zoe Ball as co-host
Rumours flew when he confirmed he had been in talks with the BBC, adding: "I'm being bullied to do Strictly Come Dancing . I'd love to do it but it's a very big time commitment."
But as Big Brother officially came to an end it meant there was a spot open in Rylan's schedule and he was snapped right up .
The surprise news that Rylan will be part of the BBC team was announced on the Strictly's Twitter account earlier today.
The statement read: "Joining Zoe Ball as the co-host of It Takes Two is Rylan! We can’t wait to welcome him to the #Strictly family when the show returns on @BBCTwo in the autumn."
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Rylan shared his delight at landing a coveted spot on celebrity dancing competition.
He said: "I can't begin to explain how excited I am to be joining the Strictly family.
"I've always been a massive fan of It Takes Two and to be working with the amazing Zoe Ball is a dream.
"I'm extremely honoured to be joining such a television institution and can't wait to bring a lot of mischief to the Strictly bubble. I'm looking forward to getting started and seeing you all soon."
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With Rylan's spot firmly in the bag, the only other bit of business bosses need to figure out is who will replace Darcey.
Names have been thrown in to the ring to replace Darcey, with ballet star Carlos Acosta rumoured to be on the list.
However former professional Ian Waite teased earlier on his Twitter page that there was something big coming from him: "Exciting announcement coming later today!"
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