Strictly: Amy Dowden holds back tears as JB receives scores
Strictly Come Dancing fans have expressed their frustration as professional dancer Lauren Oakley wasn't given a celebrity partner in this year's series, despite impressing audiences with an outstanding routine on Saturday night (November 2).
The ballroom set the stage for this year's 10 remaining pairs, who danced to an 'Icons' theme. After pro dancer Amy Dowden fell ill and was hospitalised, JLS icon JB Gill is temporarily partnered with Lauren Oakley for the competition.
Amy showed up in the 'Clauditorium' during the live broadcast to cheer on JB and Lauren, who performed a Couples' Choice dance to a compilation of Bruno Mars hits, earning them a fantastic score of 39 from the judges.
JB remarked post-performance: "Obviously it's a new partnership, but I've been able to focus on the dancing and just do Amy proud."
Lauren chimed in, saying: "I just wanted to make Amy proud and I hope we did. We had fun out there. I hope you had fun watching," reports the Mirror.
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An emotional Amy thanked Lauren, reminiscing about meeting her as a child: "I came up to Lauren when I was eight years old at Blackpool Tower, and she just danced and I told her I was her biggest fan," she said.
"So thank you Lauren, thank you J[B]. I wish I could stay with you, you're amazing."
Despite the strong support for Amy on social media, with fans sending numerous supportive messages, a number couldn't hide their disappointment that Lauren wasn't officially competing this season.
Fans took to social media, with one writing on X: "Lauren should have been given a partner this year #strictly."
Another exclaimed: "JB and Lauren were AMAZING. But also. Lauren has to be one of the best female professionals on the show. She's so sharp. Just brilliant! #StrictlyComeDancing #strictly."
One more appealed: "NEVER and I mean NEVER not give Lauren a partner again! Love her #strictly". "Dear strictly. never bench Lauren Oakley again. thank you #strictly", pleaded another devotee.
The Strictly Come Dancing live show airs every Saturday on BBC One and iPlayer with the results show following on Sunday
