JB Gill shares intimate rehearsal clip with new Strictly pro after Amy Dowden's exit

JB Gill has given fans a glimpse into his new partnership with Strictly Come Dancing professional Lauren Oakley, after his original partner Amy Dowden was forced to withdraw from the series. The JLS star, 37, is now dancing with Lauren, 33, following Amy's unfortunate foot injury.

Amy, who bravely returned to the BBC show this season after her breast cancer diagnosis, broke a bone in her foot just days before the show on 26 October. As a result, she had to miss the recording of the results show to seek medical attention after the Halloween special episode.

With Lauren stepping in for last week's live show, Amy has confirmed she will be absent for the remainder of the series. JB has been getting acquainted with his new dance partner and shared a clip from their rehearsals.

The duo attempted the viral Dancing With The Stars lift during a break from learning their new routine. This move, first performed by Danny Amendola and his partner Witney Carson on the American version of Strictly, involves lifting the dancer from the ground by the ankle and has since gone viral on TikTok.

JB and Lauren decided to give it a go, resulting in a close embrace and a shared gaze. JB posted the clip for his followers, captioning it: "You know we had to try this challenge!"

Amy Dowden confirmed her departure from this series of Strictly Come Dancing in an emotional post, revealing her struggle with cancer. Amidst the flood of support, JB commented: "Heartbreaking news 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."

Another Strictly pro, Lauren, who had not been partnered with a celebrity this year, added: "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."

Amy herself shared: "My heart is breaking right now. The past few months I finally felt like me again. Cancer was no longer the first thing I thought of when I woke up. It was choreography, music choices, which dances in which order, and what we needed to work on. I felt free again. My goal since hearing those words you have cancer was to get back on the Strictly dance floor. It's been such a challenge to get back, one I devoted 2024 too."

She continued: "With my incredible team, we got there. Something I wanted to do for myself and loved ones. There was no feeling like it dancing again in the ballroom with my strictly family. Then I was partnered with the talented, kind, gentle soul JB."