Strictly’s Amy Dowden messages JB Gill and thanks him for his support

Professional Come strictly dance dancer Amy Dowden sent a message of support to J.B. Gill prior to tonight’s show, which Amy is missing after a health crisis during last week’s episode.

JB will instead team up with Lauren Oakley this week – with Amy expected to be back for next week’s show – and in a message to her Instagram pagem, she wished the couple “absolutely the best of luck” and promised to be their “biggest cheerleader”.

She specifically told JB, “It says it all about how you’ve been able to adapt to being a new professional, producing such amazing numbers (so excited for all to see) while supporting me! I’m so lucky! You’re a STAR! I know what tonight means to you!

And to Lauren she added: “Thank you, I knew Jay would be in safe hands and would have a fantastic time with you! You know, I’ve always loved your dancing ever since I ran up to you in Blackpool Tower at the age of 8 to tell you! Thank you honey!”

Amy went on to thank Lizzie Gough for choreographing the ‘brilliant routine’ and everyone who had sent her love and support over the past week, saying it had ‘definitely helped’.

She concluded her statement by encouraging her followers to “tune in to the first ever ICONS week on Strictly!”

An ambulance was called Strictly studio in Elstree last week as a precaution after the professional dancer fell ill backstage. The BBC announced this on Tuesday Amy felt “much better” but would sit out this week’s show as she continues her recovery and that they were “hopeful” she would be back next week.

Oakley reposted the statement on her own Instagram, writing in the caption: “Sending you so much love and well wishes @amy_dowden.

“Hope you’ll be back on the dance floor as soon as possible. I’ll be taking care of you this week for @jbgill. I hope we make you proud.”

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Dowden returned to the Strictly line-up this year after missing the previous series following her breast cancer diagnosis, and was was received with a standing ovation during her first week back on the dance floor.

JB and Amy came fifth on Strictly ranking last week after scoring 32 points for their Foxtrot – their joint highest score of the season so far.

Strictly Come Dancing continues next Saturday on BBC One and iPlayer.

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