Strictly star JB Gill admits 'biggest regret' in life - and it's very wholesome

He may have achieved five number one singles with JLS, but singer and Strictly star JB Gill says his life could have been completely different if he hadn't given up on his childhood talent

Strictly's JB Gill shot to fame as one fourth of boy band JLS but he's revealed how as a talented youngster his career could have taken a very different turn.

Jonathan Benjamin Gill has been dancing with Strictly pro Amy Dowden but is now partnered with Lauren Oakley after Amy's health scare. When he's not showing viewers his fancy footwork, he's best known for presenting television shows Down on the Farm and Songs of Praise. And now he has revealed how he regrets a choice he made when he was younger.

JLS singer and Strictly star JB Jill may be a star when it comes to the stage - winning two Brit awards, and five MOBO awards before JLS split up in 2013 - but he's explained his life could have turned out completely different if he hadn't given up on a childhood dream. He recently told The Sun how he swapped playing the flute and piano for rugby when he was younger, but wishes he'd carried on and could have become a classical musician.

The 37-year-old, who is married to wife Chloe, 31, and has two children Ace, five, and Chiara, one, grew up in Croydon, South London and began making music at the age of seven, playing the recorder, piano and flute. From a young age he joined his primary school choir and went on to perform at the local church.

He was awarded an 'all-round' scholarship for music, academics and sport at Whitgift School in Croydon. However, in secondary school he gave up music for rugby joining the London Irish rugby club and touring abroad. He was eventually forced to give up rugby because of injury and took up vocal coaching during a year out before going to study a degree in Theology at King's College University.

His stint on Strictly has been going well - Amy and JB, who were dressed as Scarecrows for Halloween week, received 32 points out of a possible 40 from the judges for their Foxtrot. But although the singer and TV presenter received praise from the Strictly judges he ended up in the dance off. Later, however Amy and JB were saved by the judges and Paul Merson was sent home.

He has been paired with Amy Dowden but is now working with Lauren Oakley while Amy recovers. Amy fell poorly following her Halloween performance with JB Gill on Saturday night. A representative for Amy stated: "Amy was feeling unwell, 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."

After last week’s performance, JB Gill, who appeared on the results show alone, told Claudia Winkleman: "Honestly, I am beside myself, and Amy is, of course, going to be so happy (about not being in the bottom two) that we are through to icons week. It's an amazing feeling."