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JB broke his silence on Amy Dowden's departure from Strictly Come Dancing (Image: Getty)
JB Gill has spoken out for the first time since Amy Dowden's departure from Strictly Come Dancing.
Professional dancer Amy, 34, announced her exit from the show in an emotional statement, revealing she could no longer continue due to a foot injury.
JLS singer JB, 37, will now perform with Lauren Oakley for the duration of the competition. Breaking his silence on his partner's exit, JB reposted Amy's statement alongside the caption: "Heartbroken for you right now @amy_dowden. But like a phoenix you will rise."
In her statement, Amy admitted she was "heartbroken" at having to pull out after finally feeling like herself again following her cancer diagnosis. The Welsh performer was diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2023 and underwent a double mastectomy and chemotherapy.
Due to treatment, Amy was forced to miss the 2023 series, but was delighted to learn she'd got the all-clear earlier this year.
Amy was forced to pull out of Strictly due to a foot injury (Image: BBC)
Since returning to Strictly, Amy revealed that cancer was no longer the thing she thought about first in the morning, but instead her choreography and dancing, admitting she "felt free again".
Reflecting on her partnership with JB, Amy continued: "I was partnered with the talented, kind, gentle soul, JB. Every day our training room was chilled, hardworking and full of big smiles enjoying what we were creating together with a blossoming friendship.
"JB, thank you for being the perfect partner back. We topped the leaderboard week one and continued to work so hard. Thank you for being so passionate about understanding the ballroom and Latin fundamentals. For me, that rumba will always be one of my faves."
She went on to say: "JB I know you and Lauren will continue to ace that dance floor. I'll forever be your biggest cheerleader."
JB will now perform with Lauren Oakley (Image: Instagram)
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After Amy shared news of her exit, Lauren commented: "This too shall pass. We're still a team. Love you. You did the groundwork, I'll carry your partnership forward and hopefully make you proud."
Meanwhile, JB added: "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."
Lauren stepped in for Amy after she collapsed backstage and was rushed to the hospital during Halloween Special Week on Saturday, October 26.
The following week, JB and Lauren performed their Couple's Choice to a Bruno Mars medley, earning an impressive score of 39 points, which was matched by Tasha Ghouri and Aljaž Škorjanec at the top of the leaderboard.
English (US) ·