Strictly Come Dancing‘s JB Gill has opened up about working with a new dance partner, amid Amy Dowden’s absence.
Professional Amy was unable to participate in last year’s competition due to ill health but made a return to the show this season, alongside celebrity partner JB.
However, after feeling unwell during last week’s (October 26) episode, Amy was taken to hospital and will not be performing in tomorrow’s show (November 2). JB will instead be partnered with stand-in professional dancer Lauren Oakley.
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On tonight’s (November 1) episode of It Takes Two, the trio spoke to host Janette Manrara about navigating the sudden change in partnership.
Janette asked Lauren if she was reassured knowing she would be dancing “with someone with such good standard”.
“It’s really reassuring. What was so nice is this dance, cause it’s couple’s choice, was choreographed by an outside choreographer, Lizzie Gough,” said Lauren. “We both came in on Monday like on a level playing field, we were both learning the routine so it was really nice to make that progression together.
“And JB’s really cool, so it’s hip hip and I’ve been like copying the coolness,” she added.
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Meanwhile, JB described his first training day with Lauren as “surreal”, explaining: “I’m very much used to working with Amy. Although there have been times when we’ve had to work with Lauren.
“Lauren’s lovely, she’s amazing, she’s an incredible dancer. Of course, we’ve been watching her doing the group numbers and so on, throughout the series so far.”
Speaking about the dance, he added: “It was just a chance for us to let go and be in the moment, enjoy the music and that’s what it’s all about.”
Elsewhere in the interview, supportive Amy praised JB and Lauren for their hard work and talent, sharing that they are all in a group-chat together.
Strictly Come Dancing airs on Saturdays on BBC One, while spin-off Strictly: It Takes Two airs on weeknights on BBC Two. Both shows are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
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