Strictly fans make appeal over Amy Dowden return on Saturday as star 'snubbed'

Fans have called for Amy Dowden to be recognised this Saturday in the final (Image: Getty) Amy Dowden thanks fans for support after Strictly exit

Strictly Come Dancing fans have issued a warning to BBC show bosses over the return of Amy Dowden on Saturday.

The Welsh Strictly Come Dancing professional was partnered with JLS star JB Gill for the 2024 series, having been forced to sit out the 2023 series while undergoing treatment for cancer, including chemotherapy.

Amy then announced her return for the pros line up this year and had been partnered with JB.

Unfortunately, Amy was unable to continue after the return took its toll on the Caerphilly dancer and she was forced to pull out midway through the series.

Backup pro Lauren Oakley was then asked to take over JB Gill for the rest of the 2024 series.

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JB and Lauren Oakley told Janette Manrara about their plans for the final (Image: BBC)

JB and Lauren Oakley took to the Strictly It Takes Two sofa to talk to host Janette Manrara about how their journey to the final has gone.

JB, though, appeared to snub Amy Dowden, failing to choose any dance she was involved in and didn’t mention his former pro partner.

Asked what JB was most excited about showing off based on what he’s learned on the series, he told Janette Manrara: "I think it’s just the energy that Lauren and I have had dancing together.

"We want people to be watching at home, singing along to all the classics, dancing along. We want them to get off their sofa and be in it with us."

The pair chose to dance their week 8 salsa again for the final, while the judges chose JB and Lauren’s week 11 waltz for the judges’ choice for the last dance of the series this Saturday.

Lauren Oakley then added about the pair’s planned dances for the final: "We’ve got a Latin dance and we’ve got a ballroom dance but we both loved our couple’s choice which is the first dance we danced together so it’s got a bit more of that groove about it.

"It’s got a nod to the couple’s choice, it’s very… I’m gonna say a little bit jazzy, funky, there’s a bit of hustle in there.

"There’s partner work, a couple of lifts but we’re just vibing together. It’s dope."

Fans have called for Amy to be involved in the final somehow, and possibly to stand with JB and Lauren to recognise her contribution to the series too.

@ryanthesoapking said: "Can we just take a moment to appreciate the hardwork and dedication that Lauren Oakley has shown this series. Working off Amy's groundwork halfway through the series to turn JB into a powerhouse of a dancer is a major accomplishment.

"I really hope we get to see JB dance with Amy in the final - maybe she'll dance a little bit of his Samba with him and Lauren.

JB Gill and Amy Dowden were paired together before Amy had to pull out (Image: Getty) window.topArticlesScript="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/js/dist/article-top-articles20241210.min.js" SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

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"Amy was a substantial part of JB's journey too and laid down the foundations for him to flourish with Lauren.

"I’'m slightly sad that we won't see JB dance with Amy again in the final. Despite having some of his standout moments with Lauren - Amy was still part of his journey.

"I hope he dances with her in the Group dance alongside Lauren."

@juliedalziel said: "I hope Amy is standing with JB and Lauren when they announce who has won the glitter ball. She has been a massive part of his journey and if he was to win, the 3 of them should lift the trophy #StrictlyComeDancing!"

@tobymcturk said: "When you’re announcing the winner next Saturday, please let Amy stand with JB and Lauren. If they win it would be beautiful to see the three of them celebrate it together."

Strictly fans make appeal over Amy Dowden return on Saturday as star 'snubbed'

Strictly fans make appeal over Amy Dowden return on Saturday as star 'snubbed'

Strictly fans make appeal over Amy Dowden return on Saturday as star 'snubbed'

Strictly fans make appeal over Amy Dowden return on Saturday as star 'snubbed'

Strictly fans make appeal over Amy Dowden return on Saturday as star 'snubbed'