JB Gill arrives at Strictly training with new partner Lauren as Amy Dowden is forced to pull out after hospitalisation
Date: 2024-10-29
JB Gill was seen arriving at Strictly training with his new partner Lauren Oakley after Amy Dowden was forced to pull out over her hospitalisation.
Amy, 37, who was recently given the all clear from breast cancer, was rushed to hospital on Saturday night after collapsing backstage following the main show.
JB Gill has been seen arriving at Strictly Come Dancing training[/caption]
Lauren Oakley waved for photographers[/caption]
JLS star JB, 37, is ploughing on in the competition, though, flashing a smile while making his way to a studio today.
The singer wore a black sports top and coordinating shorts, keeping warm with an oversized padded coat.
He also donned Adidas trainers and kept his hands full with a giant water bottle, baseball cap and backpack.
Lauren opted for a green T-shirt and cargo pants, along with Dr. Martens boots and a similar coat to JB’s.
She waved for photographers while heading into the session.
She was said to be “doing much better†but will be unable to return this week.
A Strictly Come Dancing spokesperson said: “Amy Dowden MBE is doing much better and the Strictly family send her love and wish her well.
“She is delighted that fellow professional dancer, Lauren Oakley, is able to step in for rehearsals and to perform in Saturday’s show for JB Gill’s Couple’s Choice dance.
“We are all hopeful that Amy will be back to dance with JB next week.â€
Strictly Amy's cancer 'nightmare'
The Sun's Jamie Downham takes a look at the beloved Strictly star's ups and downs...
AS Strictly Come Dancing viewers know, you’ll struggle to catch Amy Dowden without a huge smile on her face.
But recently the Welsh star – one the best-rated Ballroom and Latin American professional dancers the UK has ever produced – has suffered a string of “nightmare” blows to her health.
She was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in May last year and underwent a full mastectomy, before having chemotherapy towards the end of 2023.
However, she later reported docs had found a clot on her lung, telling fans sadly: “Unfortunately I’ve had another nightmare this week.”
Nonetheless, brave Amy, seen here dancing with James Bye, made an epic return to Strictly the following month with an appearance that left many viewers in floods tears.
As 2024 dawned, she admitted: “I feel I was robbed of the year I had planned and reflecting for me makes me upset and angry.”
However, she was soon smiling again. Amy, her hair starting to grow back after her cancer treatment, was seen messing around with her co-stars Dianne Buswell and Vito Coppola on the Strictly tour earlier this month.
And despite another spell in hospital in February, she still mustered a cheeriness many would struggle for, telling fans: “The sun is shining – and I certainly can’t wait for Spring.”
And we certainly can’t wait to see you dancing again, Amy…
Following the news, Claudia told him: “I know you’re here without Amy, but on behalf of both of you, how happy are you that you’re not in the bottom two?”
The JLS singer replied: “Honestly, I’m beside myself, and Amy, of course, is going to be so happy that we’re through to icons.”
He added how Amy and him will perform a Bruno Mars medley during next week’s show.
A spokesperson for Amy said: “Amy was feeling unwell and so an ambulance was called as a precaution.
“She is feeling much better and would like to thank the Strictly family for their love and concern.
“We request Amy’s privacy in matters of health is kindly respected.”
Amy, who joined Strictly in 2017, was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in May 2023.
The past year has seen the star undergo a mastectomy, numerous rounds of chemotherapy and fertility treatment.
Lauren spoke out since it was revealed she is Amy Dowden’s replacement[/caption]
Amy has recently been given the all clear from breast cancer[/caption]
Amy was rushed to hospital after her performance with JB Gill on Saturday night[/caption]