JB Gill reveals the one word he has to describe Amy Dowden’s early exit from Strictly – as she sends note to his new partner Lauren Oakley

JB Gill reveals the one word he has to describe Amy Dowden's early exit from Strictly - as she sends note to his new partner Lauren Oakley

As a compassionate observer, I find myself deeply moved by the resilience and strength exhibited by Amy, the Welsh professional dancer who has had to face numerous health challenges while still gracing the Strictly Come Dancing stage. Her life experience is a testament to the human spirit’s ability to endure and adapt in the face of adversity.


As a devoted admirer, I must say, Amy Dowden’s exit from Strictly Come Dancing left me feeling quite hollow. However, my resolve remains unwavering – I aim to make her proud in every step I take on this dance floor.

The dancer, 34, admitted she was ‘heartbroken’ after she had to pull out of the competition, with JB, 37, continuing with a new professional, Lauren Oakley.

As I chatted up The Mirror, I couldn’t help but sing Amy’s praises for the tireless efforts she poured into our rehearsals alongside me. Alas, fate intervened, and her foot injury forced her to bow out before we hit the stage together.

He said: ‘She definitely hasn’t let anybody down. Amy has been an incredible teacher. She has worked so hard for me and obviously it was great that we were able to establish that bond and that connection. 

‘From day one, we worked on our partnership and worked on the things that we were passionate about.

JB Gill reveals the one word he has to describe Amy Dowden's early exit from Strictly - as she sends note to his new partner Lauren Oakley

JB Gill reveals the one word he has to describe Amy Dowden's early exit from Strictly - as she sends note to his new partner Lauren Oakley

It’s truly disheartening, as Amy puts it, that things have turned out this way, but regrettably, there’s no going back. We must move forward with optimism. It’s comforting to know that she remains supportive.

JB noted that Lauren excels as an exceptional educator, her teaching methodology sets her apart from Amy, and they plan on putting in a lot of effort moving forward.

Lauren shared that Amy had sent her some helpful notes for choreographing the samba they are set to perform this week.

It comes after Amy broke down in tears during an emotional appearance on Wednesday’s It Takes Two.

With a tremble in her voice, Amy disclosed that the reason for her departure from Strictly was “a stress fracture on her shin that didn’t provide enough strength,” and she expressed optimism about returning to the professionals group dance towards the end of the series after taking some time to rest.

She told host Janette Manrara: ‘I’m absolutely gutted, unfortunately I have had an insuffiencency stress fracture on my shin, nothing to do with my injury last year. 

Oh boy, I’m absolutely crushed! Gotta take it easy for a spell, but with any luck, JB will carry on the excitement without me. Fingers crossed I’ll find my way back into the action somehow, perhaps in a group number, by the finale of this incredible series.

When asked about the significance of returning to Strictly this year following her battle with breast cancer, Amy emotionally expressed: “It meant everything to me, I’m absolutely devastated!” She added that being reunited with the Strictly family was the most effective form of therapy for her.

JB Gill reveals the one word he has to describe Amy Dowden's early exit from Strictly - as she sends note to his new partner Lauren Oakley
JB Gill reveals the one word he has to describe Amy Dowden's early exit from Strictly - as she sends note to his new partner Lauren Oakley
JB Gill reveals the one word he has to describe Amy Dowden's early exit from Strictly - as she sends note to his new partner Lauren Oakley

Lauren has found a remarkably patient and compassionate companion, who, with his extraordinary skills, grasps routines swiftly. He genuinely cherishes dancing and relishes every moment of his ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ journey. I eagerly anticipate watching their continued performances on the dance floor.

Man, I’m absolutely crushed! I was living my absolute best moments, and let me tell you, it was beyond extraordinary. To have it abruptly end is just soul-crushing. But, I’ll be there, rooting for everyone with all my heart and spirit!

‘I want to stress it’s nothing to do with any previous health scares, it’s one of those things.’

As an ardent admirer, I can’t help but share my excitement when Amy mentioned that Lauren is about to experience pure joy while dancing with JB. His rhythm is simply captivating, and if the competition is any indicator, he has the talent to take her places!

She mentioned, “I’ve been staying informed about the progress of the dance. We’ve had numerous conversations. Our bond has grown into a beautiful friendship.

Lauren has found an incredibly considerate and understanding companion. He quickly adapts to their routines, but what truly stands out is his passion for dancing. I’m eagerly looking forward to seeing more of them together. As JB puts it: “That’s cool!

On the episode aired on Monday, it was officially announced that Amy won’t be participating any further in the series due to her recovery from an injury.

JB Gill reveals the one word he has to describe Amy Dowden's early exit from Strictly - as she sends note to his new partner Lauren Oakley
JB Gill reveals the one word he has to describe Amy Dowden's early exit from Strictly - as she sends note to his new partner Lauren Oakley

Unfortunately, it has been announced that Amy Dowden MBE won’t be continuing in this year’s Strictly Come Dancing contest.

While Amy is concentrating on her healing process due to a foot injury, professional dancer Lauren Oakley will take over as partner for JB during this period.

‘The health and wellbeing of everyone involved in Strictly are always the utmost priority. The whole Strictly family sends Amy love and well wishes.’

Last year in May, Amy, who was only 32 years old at the time, received devastating news that she had advanced stage 3 breast cancer.

While working on the BBC show “Dare To Dance”, she expressed that something felt amiss. The day prior to embarking on a second honeymoon with her husband, Benjamin, she discovered a lump in her breast.

Towards the end of that year, it was discovered once more that she had an undetermined form of cancer, prompting her to go through a round of chemotherapy treatments.

Amy returned to hospital in August 2024 for more tests where, finally, she was given the all-clear.

A year after a scandal, BBC managers expressed joy when Amy was able to rejoin the program after her cancer treatment, as she was teamed up with JB.

JB Gill reveals the one word he has to describe Amy Dowden's early exit from Strictly - as she sends note to his new partner Lauren Oakley

However, during our recent live Halloween special, she was taken to the hospital from Elstree Studios, the BBC show’s location in Hertfordshire, following an on-stage medical emergency. She had been experiencing a sudden health issue backstage.

Just prior to rushing off to the hospital, Amy had gracefully danced the Foxtrot to the song “Dancing in the Moonlight” by Toploader with her famous partner JB. However, viewers pointed out that she was only partly standing during her recent performance.

Last night on Strictly, I, a die-hard fan, held my breath as JB and his stand-in partner, Lauren, danced their hearts out. Luckily for us both, they managed to skip the dance-off and live to strut another week on that dance floor!

In a spectacular turn of events, the singer and Lauren reached the pinnacle together on the scoreboard during their duet for the Couples’ Choice challenge, performing an enchanting medley by Bruno Mars. They earned an almost perfect score of 39 points out of a possible 40.

As they survived another week, JB made a heartfelt gesture towards Amy by dedicating his performance to her and silently saying “For you, Amy” into the camera. This was for the talented Welsh dancer.

Amy became emotionally overwhelmed, finding herself in tears, as she observed JB and their new partner, Lauren, receiving a near flawless rating for their performance.

She expressed her gratitude by saying, “Lauren, I’m truly thankful for you. Thank you, Lauren – and J as well, you two are simply fantastic. I can’t help but wish I could be with you.

Just prior to JB and choreographer Lauren hitting the dance floor, Amy expressed a warm message of encouragement for them on social media platforms.

Directly addressing JB, Amy expressed: “JB, your ability to adjust to a new dance partner and create such an impressive performance (so excited for everyone to witness) while backing me up is truly expressive. I feel incredibly fortunate! You’re absolutely shining! I know how much this night means to you! Thank you!

Apart from expressing gratitude, she praised Lauren too, saying “Thank you! I was confident that Jay would be well taken care of and would enjoy himself immensely with you!

“Ever since I chased after you in the Blackpool Tower when I was eight, I’ve been captivated by your dancing. Thank you for being so amazing, dear!

In conclusion, Amy expressed appreciation for the fantastic choreography of Strictly and thanked her supporters for their kindness, as she wrapped up her heartwarming message.

Additionally, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the warmth and encouragement I’ve been blessed with over the past week. I am truly thankful and it has made a significant difference. Now, let’s dive into the inaugural ICONS week on Strictly! This was her closing remark.

Later, JB expressed his feelings using these words: “You’re simply amazing. The faith you have in me never fails to inspire, and your tenacity is truly unmatched!

‘Thank you for being my biggest champion and I know that @laurenmayoakley and I will do you PROUD.’

On the recent episode of It Takes Two, Janette Manrara inquired, “Let’s begin with you, Amy, how have you been?

The skilled dancer responded affirmatively, expressing, “Absolutely, I’m in a significantly improved state now. I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each one of you for your kindness and encouragement. To my Strictly family as well, thank you all.

Toward the end of the program, she expressed her feelings about this past week: “I am incredibly proud and grateful to Lauren. They’ve put in an immense amount of effort and JB has been nothing short of supportive throughout. He’s been focused, and both of them have kept me updated all week.

In the interview, Lauren shared that they all share a WhatsApp group and she along with JB frequently send videos to Amy to ensure she stays updated.

Amy added her thoughts by saying: ‘I labeled it as “Team” with a star, and we’ve been exchanging videos and messages daily.’

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2024-11-09 05:16

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