Strictly's Lauren Oakley's life off-screen including living with late Robin Windsor

Strictly Come Dancing professional, Lauren Oakley, has stepped in for Amy Dowden on the BBC show while the Welsh star rests after collapsing back stage in the studio last weekend

Strictly Come Dancing star, Lauren Oakley, joined the show in 2022 and quickly became a fan favourite.

Last year, the Birmingham-born ballroom champion, 33, was partnered with Krishnan Guru-Murthy, who praised Lauren for giving him a "life- changing experience" on the BBC series. Lauren wasn't given a celebrity partner on Strictly this time around, however, she has stepped up to save the day while Welsh wonder, Amy Dowden, continues to rest after collapsing back stage in the studio last weekend as she recovers from cancer.

So, as we gear up to watch Lauren and JLS star, JB Gill, do Amy proud in a Bruno Mars medley for Icons Week, here's a look at the decorated dancer's life off-screen.

Performing on stage with pals Giovanni and Anton

Dancing since the age of two, Lauren began competing in ballroom and Latin at the age of seven, going on to become the juvenile champion at the Blackpool Dance Festival.

A well-known face in the dance world, the star has also performed as the leading lady in Giovanni Pernice and Anton Du Beke's tour Him & Me as well as travelling the globe with Burn the Floor in which she performed alongside the late Robin Windsor. Lauren has also partnered with Giovanni for his solo tour, This Is Me.

Living with the late Robin Windsor

Lauren opened up about her special bond with fellow Strictly professional, Robin Windsor, who tragically passed away in February, the age of 44. Sharing heartbreaking memories of their time together, the dancer revealed that the pair lived together while she found her feet on Strictly.

Despite never having been partners on the dance floor, the friends shared a close relationship, working together on the dazzling Burn The Floor dance shows. Mourning the loss of her friend, Lauren took to Instagram Stories to express her grief with a poignant message. She shared: "Living with Robin over the last Strictly season really showed me how much of a loving heart he had. The kindest, most beautiful soul.

"He guided me, gave me advice and was always there whenever I needed questions answered. He supported me throughout my whole career. He just loved people and dance. I'm so glad I had the chance to spend this precious time with you Robin. And I will miss you so very much."

Married in a lavish ceremony

When she's not strutting her stuff on the dance floor, Lauren is happily married to husband Maximiliano Omar Montes de Oca. The smitten couple tied the knot in September 2019 in a lavish ceremony after dating for several years.

Wearing a striking lace gown designed by Made with Love Bridal on her big day, which took place at a stunning venue in the countryside, Lauren shared a snap of the special day on her Instagram Stories.

"We had an absolutely magical day full of sunshine, and we hope everyone enjoyed it as much as we did. We felt so at home around all of our loved ones and the wedding was exactly how we wanted it to be, comfortable, relaxed and like a huge house party in the English countryside... Only in a big white dress!"

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