Strictly’s Amy Dowden Tearfully Cheers On JB Gill and Replacement Lauren Oakley After Near-Perfect Score Following Health Setback

Strictly Come Dancing’s Amy Dowden, 34, became emotional as she watched her dance partner JB Gill and replacement professional Lauren Oakley score an impressive 39 out of 40 points on Saturday night’s show.

Dowden, who had to withdraw from last weekend’s Halloween special after collapsing backstage, was seen tearing up as she watched from the audience.

The Welsh dancer took to social media hours before the performance to express her heartfelt support for the pair. She wrote on Instagram, “Wishing these two the best of luck tonight! I’m going to be your biggest cheerleader!” In her post, Dowden praised JB’s dedication, saying, “It says everything about you, JB, that you’ve been able to adapt to a new professional and produce such a great number. I’m so lucky! You’re a STAR!”

The Welsh dancer collapsed backstage last week and was forced to withdraw from this weekend’s show. Fellow professional Lauren was drafted in as her replacement.

Dowden, who is in remission after a breast cancer battle and also lives with Crohn’s disease, thanked Lauren for stepping in on short notice, recalling a memory of watching her dance as a child. “Thank you, Lauren. I knew JB would be in safe hands with you! I’ve admired your dancing since I ran up to you in Blackpool when I was 8 years old to tell you!” she shared.

JB and professional partner Lauren performed their couple’s choice to a medley to Bruno Mars.

JB and Lauren came joint top of the leaderboard, but some fans felt it would have been hard for Amy to see him get 10s with Lauren, even though she was proud of her celebrity partner.

The supportive message sparked reactions from fans on social media, who admired the display of camaraderie. Viewers tweeted, “JB and Lauren smashed it! But Lauren’s humbleness in giving credit to Amy was heart-warming.” Another fan added, “Amy looked so proud, but you could see the emotion—she would’ve loved to have scored those tens with JB herself.”

She said: ‘I am so grateful to you, Lauren. Thank you, Lauren. Thank you, J. You are just amazing. I just wish I was there with you.’

Before Saturday’s show, Dowden joined JB and Lauren on the Strictly spin-off ‘It Takes Two’, updating viewers on her health. “I’m feeling so much better and would like to thank everyone for all the love and support,” she said.

Hours before JB and choreographer Lauren took to the dancefloor, Amy wrote a heartfelt message to support the pair on social media.

During her recovery, Dowden has shown resilience while expressing pride in JB and Lauren’s hard work. She noted on ‘It Takes Two’ that the two have been in constant touch with her throughout the week, saying, “They’ve worked so hard, and JB has just been so supportive of me. I’m incredibly grateful to Lauren for stepping in.”

Dowden was rushed to the hospital last Saturday after collapsing backstage at the BBC show’s studios in Hertfordshire during the Halloween special. The incident was described as a “medical emergency.” Though her return to the competition remains uncertain, her gratitude for her Strictly family and fans’ unwavering support are helping her recover.

Tasha Ghouri & Aljaz Škorjanec also topped the leaderboard with their Couple’s Choice to What About Us by P! nk, awarding them 39 points.

Sam Quek and Nikita Kuzmin did the American Smooth to Love Story (Taylor’s Version) by Taylor Swift and got 29

Jamie Borthwick and Michelle Tsiakkas did the Samba to Faith by George Michael and got 31

Hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly were dressed to impress for the first-ever Icons Week.

Shirley Ballas transformed into Cher, sporting a dramatic black wig and risqué glitzy bodysuit.

Gill responded to Dowden’s support with his message, saying, “You are the best. Your belief in me is uplifting, and your fighting spirit is second to none.” Fans continued to support Dowden, hoping for her swift return and expressing their admiration for her spirit.

Strictly fans remain hopeful for her recovery and eagerly await her possible return to the dance floor.