This week the couple are dancing a Samba to Mas Que Nada by Sergio Mendes, and as the competition continues to heat up, they’ll really be wanting to pull out all the stops and secure their spot in next week’s Blackpool special.

Oakley took as Gills’ partner after his original professional dance partner, Amy Dowden, fell ill, and then later had to pull out of future episodes due to a foot injury.

Writing on Instagram after the news was announced that she would have to leave this year’s season, Dowden said: “My heart is breaking right now. The past few months I finally felt like me again.

“Cancer was no longer the first thing I thought of when I woke up. It was choreography, music choices, which dances in which order, what we needed to work on. I felt free again.

“Then I was partnered with the talented, kind, gentle soul JB. Everyday our training room was chilled, hardworking and full of big smiles enjoying what we was creating together with a blossoming friendship.”

After writing fondly about their time shared on the dance floor together, she added: “I’m so sad, so upset and asking why me, why now that our journey has been cut short.

“My heart right now is breaking having to pull out of the competition due to a foot injury and I know only too well ‘this too shall pass’ and I’ll be soon better and back dancing. Something I’ve had to get used to in my life.”

Signing off, Dowden wrote: “To all the fans, to my loved ones, my Strictly family thank you. JB I know you and Lauren will continue to ace that dance floor. I’ll forever be your biggest cheerleader.”

As Gill and Oakley return to the dancefloor this week, read on to find out everything you need to know about the singer, and how he feels about appearing on Strictly Come Dancing 2024.

Who is JB Gill?

Age: 37

Job: Singer

Instagram: @jbgill

Strictly partner: Lauren Oakley. Previously, Amy Dowden

JB Gill is a singer best known for being a member of boy band JLS, who were the runners-up of The X Factor in 2008.

While the group disbanded in 2013, they reunited in 2020 for a reunion tour, and have since been filling everyone will nostalgia with their performances.

Gill previously appeared on and won the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special in 2012 following his jive with former Strictly pro Ola Jordan.

Beyond JLS, Gill has appeared on Countryfile, The Jump and Celebrity MasterChef.

JB Gill’s Strictly journey so far

Scoreboard

Week 1: Waltz (7+8+8+8) = 31

Week 2: Cha Cha (7+7+6+7) = 27

Week 3: American Smooth (7+8+8+9) = 32

Week 4: Rumba (7+8+7+8) = 30

Week 5: Jive (7+8+7+8) = 30

Week 6: Foxtrot (7+9+8+8) = 32

Week 7: Couple’s Choice (9+10+10+10) = 39

What is JB Gill dancing to in Week 8 on Strictly?

JB Gill and professional dancer Lauren Oakley will be performing the Samba to Mas Que Nada by Sergio Mendes.

What has JB Gill said about joining Strictly 2024?

“I danced in the Strictly Christmas special over a decade ago and LOVED it, so when I got the call to join Strictly this year, it was an immediate yes from me,” Gill said.

“I’m raring to go and looking forward to showing off some new skills to the JLS boys. From muddy wellies on the fields of my farm to sequins and Glitterballs – I’m here to embrace it all!”

Strictly Come Dancing continues on Saturday 9th November at 6:35pm on BBC One.

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