BBC Strictly Come Dancing fans 'crying' as JB Gill issues statement to 'friend' Amy Dowden days after exit news

JB Gill has shared a gushing statement to his 'friend' Amy Dowden after their Strictly Come Dancing journey together was cut unexpectadly short.

As fans of the hit dance show now know, professional dancer Amy has had to withdraw from the rest of the competition due to a foot injury. The star was said to have "fallen ill" following her and JB's performance on Strictly's Halloween special at the end of last month.

She was forced to miss a week in rehearsals and, therefore, the latest live show on Saturday night (November 2). Lauren Oakley stepped in so JB could continue to perform over the weekend in the first-ever 'Icons Week'.

READ MORE: BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Amy Dowden suffering 'terribly bad luck' as injury details emerge

However, it has since been confirmed that Amy won't be able to return to the competition as she recovers from a foot injury and JB will carry on the remainder of his time on the hit dance show with Lauren.

Following the news, Amy issued a statement saying her "heart was breaking" at having to make the decision before vowing to support JB and Lauren, describing herself as their "biggest cheerleader".

In response to the news, Lauren said: "This too shall pass. We’re still a team. Love you. You did the ground work, I’ll carry your partnership forward and hopefully make you proud," while JB shared: "Heartbreaking news @amy_dowden but our moments will be forever in strictly history, never forget that. Thank you for being the best teacher. Nothing but love from all of the Gill family."

Now, JB has taken to social media with a message dedicated to his former dance partner. Alongside a number of selfies of the pair as well as a picture of them sharing a smiling hug in the famous ballroom, the JLS star said: "What a wild couple of weeks it’s been but I just want to say how grateful I am to Amy Dowden for everything she’s done as my partner to date. We were both SO excited to work together when we found out we were going to be partners earlier this year.

"We talked and talked and talked in the holding room after we were paired, about life and aspirations and setting the groundwork to our involvement in a fabulous 20th series of Strictly Come Dancing. It was like we’d been friends forever and as a friend, it’s been heartbreaking seeing the wonderful journey we’d begun come to a halt."

He continued: "That said, I have nothing but admiration for you. Your fight and determination are second to none. Your dedication to your art shines through in your passion for what you love. You would literally give anything to be on that ballroom floor dancing and I feel truly honoured to have shared it with you for 6 weeks. Thank you for your patience and support through every week. Thank you for trusting me with your creativity, doing everything in your power to enhance my ability and make it resonate on a Saturday night.

"Thank you for being the best teacher and helping me to fall in love with new styles of dance week after week after week. You are one of life’s special people and although our strictly journey ends here, you will dance again and I know it won’t be the end of our partnership. Our memories and moments will forever be in strictly history and I have no doubt you’ll be back, stronger and better than ever. God bless you always."

And his fans and followers were quick to respond. @cariad.cook said: "Not me almost crying over the caption. Best of luck to you for the rest of the season!!" @amysparkledowden commented: "The most special partnership. Thank you for always showing so much support for our Amy."

@dawn_l_pritchard replied: "Aww lovely words @jbgill and when Amy's foot has recovered I'm sure you'll meet and have a have a great dance off together and most of all have fun." @pauleenphilp shared: "Awwww bless. That is so heart wrenching…. Go on to win the Glitter Ball …. For you and Amy ….COME ON JB you’ve got this." @christopherduffy50 added: "That was beautiful, J.B. I feel I could cry."