Strictly’s JB Gill says associate swap is ‘so unusual’ after Amy Dowden damage

What did you miss?

Strictly Come Dancing‘s JB Gill has admitted it feels “so unusual” to have a brand new dancing associate on the present now that Lauren Oakley has changed injured Amy Dowden.

Of their first interview as a Strictly pairing, Gill informed Free Ladies “the present should go on” and stated that a very powerful factor was for his former dance associate Dowden to have time to get well.

Dowden, who made her return to the BBC One present this 12 months after breast most cancers remedy, was pressured to give up the sequence earlier this week over a foot damage, sharing that she was “heartbroken” by the flip of occasions.

What, how and why?

Gill has an additional hurdle to deal with in his Strictly Come Dancing journey as he has a brand new associate now that Dowden has needed to give up over an damage – and in his first interview with substitute Oakley, he admitted it was “so unusual” to get used to the change.

Gill and his new dance associate Oakley spoke to Free Ladies on Wednesday, the place they stated “the present should go on” of their contest to carry the Glitterball Trophy.

Introducing them, host Charlene White requested: “Does it really feel unusual after so many weeks of speaking about JB and Amy, you being launched as JB and Lauren?”

Learn extra: Strictly Come Dancing

Gill replied: “So unusual. I’ve undoubtedly not gotten used to it. However it’s a kind of issues, in fact nobody would have ever have wished for an consequence like that, however the present should go on and it’s a must to cope with it, and naturally a very powerful factor for us is that Amy will get higher and will get time to relaxation.”

Oakley, whose solely earlier celeb associate was Krishnan Guru-Murthy in 2023, added: “It’s important to get used to one another’s our bodies. Clearly, JB is used to dancing with Amy who’s a totally totally different proportion, totally different top, totally different limb size. However it’s additionally about getting used to the instructing type I take advantage of after which attempting to know how JB listens and understands issues within the coaching room.”

Gill additionally joked about already having executed higher than his bandmate Aston Merrygold, who was voted out in a shock early exit in 2017 after being tipped to win the sequence. Their bandmates Marvin Humes and Oritse Williams are but to participate.

He stated: “Now we have a factor in JLS, simply do not come final. Two out of 4 have executed it, so there’s nonetheless two extra to go, however I am in first place in the mean time.”

The singer added: “Regardless of all of the challenges, it has been unimaginable enjoyable. It has been superb with Amy and now in fact it is going to be superb with Lauren, she’s a incredible dancer. I stated to her week one once I was nonetheless partnered with Amy, you are an incredible dancer.”

What else has JB Gill stated about Amy Dowden’s Strictly exit?

Gill additionally posted a prolonged assertion on Instagram about how “grateful” he was for the whole lot that Dowden had executed for him and added: “It’s been heartbreaking seeing the great journey we’d begun come to a halt. That stated, I’ve nothing however admiration for you. Your struggle and dedication are second to none.

“Your dedication to your artwork shines by in your ardour for what you’re keen on. You’d actually give something to be on that ballroom flooring dancing and I really feel actually honoured to have shared it with you for six weeks.”

Thanking her for serving to him to be taught a lot, he continued: “You’re considered one of life’s particular folks and though our Strictly journey ends right here, you’ll dance once more and I do know it received’t be the top of our partnership. Our recollections and moments will ceaselessly be in Strictly historical past and I’ve little doubt you’ll be again, stronger and higher than ever. God bless you all the time.”

On Monday night, Dowden stated on Instagram that her coronary heart is “breaking” to go away the competition over a foot damage, after being changed by stand-in Oakley final Saturday whereas she tried to get well.

A Strictly spokesperson introduced she wouldn’t proceed, saying: “Sadly, Amy Dowden MBE won’t be partaking in the remainder of the competitors this 12 months. While Amy focuses on her restoration following a foot damage, fellow skilled dancer Lauren Oakley will step in as JB’s dance associate.

“The well being and wellbeing of everybody concerned in Strictly are all the time the utmost precedence. The entire Strictly household sends Amy love and properly needs.”

Free Ladies airs on ITV1 at 12.30pm on weekdays.