Strictly's Amy Dowden in tears as JB Gill scores highly with replacement pro

She was forced out of action this weekend due to a health scare.

Dan Seddon
·2-min read
Amy Dowden couldn't compete in this week's Strictly Come Dancing (BBC screenshot)
Amy Dowden couldn't compete in this week's Strictly Come Dancing (BBC screenshot)

Strictly Come Dancing's Amy Dowden was there to witness JB Gill and Lauren Oakley's team-up for Icons Week on Saturday, 2 November, after being forced to temporarily withdraw from the competition.

Dowden, who recently overcame Stage 3 breast cancer, has been JLS singer JB's professional partner for the 2024 series, but a stint in hospital post-Halloween Week meant that she'd be unable to join him for this weekend's Bruno Mars-themed medley.

When JB and Lauren scored 39 with the judges, Amy was right there next to them wiping tearful eyes.

JB Gill and Lauren Oakley scored 39 with the judges (BBC screenshot)
JB Gill and Lauren Oakley scored 39 with the judges (BBC screenshot)

Following the duo's well-received routine, Strictly co-presenter Claudia Winkleman said to JB: "What a dance and you did it with a new partner."

"I did. I did it with a new partner but there's so many people to thank," he replied. "They've made it incredible and I think it's been nice to be able to come into it both of us fresh. Obviously it's a new partnership but we've been able to focus on the dancing and just do Amy proud."

Lauren Oakley and JB Gill danced a 'couples choice' routine on Strictly Come Dancing's Icons Week. (BBC)
Lauren Oakley and JB Gill danced a 'couples choice' routine on Strictly Come Dancing's Icons Week. (BBC)

Lauren chipped in: "We just wanted to make Amy proud and I hope we did. We had fun out there, I hope you had fun watching us as well. We did it for you."

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Having enjoyed a three-way hug after Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke and Motsi Mabuse each held up their 10 paddles, Amy was then caught by the cameras crying happy tears.

Miranda Hart backstage at Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola's rehearsals (BBC screenshot)
Miranda Hart backstage at Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola's rehearsals (BBC screenshot)

Earlier on in the programme, Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola's rehearsal VT featured a familiar face.

"I'm here at Sarah and Vito's training room, so like all great choreographers I'm wearing a black turtleneck and carrying a small dog with me, so here I am," quipped actress and comedian Miranda Hart, who appeared alongside Sarah in the sitcom Miranda between 2009 and 2015.

"It's an amazing experience. I feel really lucky, I feel like I've won a prize!"

Strictly Come Dancing's results show airs Sunday, 3 November on BBC One.

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