STRICTLY’s JB Gill and Lauren Oakley have blown fans away with a very impressive dance move on social media.
The pair have shared their first footage from rehearsals after she was announced as Amy Dowden’s replacement.
The pair nailed the viral “leg lift” challenge that has been doing the rounds on TikTok.
JB shared their first video together from rehearsals after being announced as a brand new Strictly pairing, following Amy Dowden’s exit from the show.
The JLS star was seen lifting Lauren gracefully off the floor by one leg, before she ended up in his arms in a steamy embrace.
JB wrote next to the video: “You know we had to try this challenge.”
The tricky manouver was welcomed by fans, with one writing: “The chemistry already” as another said: “Incredible, one of the best I’ve seen of this being done!”
It was revealed that cancer survivor Amy would no longer be taking part in the programme, owing to a recent medical emergency.
She missed last weekend’s show and was replaced by Lauren, 33, in her partnership with JLS star JB Gill, 37.
Now the change has been made permanent as she recovers from a foot injury.
JB today shared an emotional tribute to Amy.
He said he was heartbroken that she had been forced to quit the show again, after she was ruled out last year during her chemotherapy.
He shared photos from their time together and said: “What a wild couple of weeks it’s been but I just want to say how grateful I am to Amy Dowden for everything she’s done as my partner to date.
“We were both SO excited to work together when we found out we were going to be partners earlier this year …
“It was like we’d been friends forever and as a friend, it’s been heartbreaking seeing the wonderful journey we’d begun come to a halt.”
Reflecting on Amy’s fighting spirit, he said: “Your dedication to your art shines through in your passion for what you love.
“You would literally give anything to be on that ballroom floor dancing and I feel truly honoured to have shared it with you for 6 weeks.”
He ended the tribute by praising her talents and said he hoped they’d be back dancing together again.
JB said: “You are one of life’s special people and although our strictly journey ends here, you will dance again and I know it won’t be the end of our partnership.
“Our memories and moments will forever be in strictly history and I have no doubt you’ll be back, stronger and better than ever. God bless you always.”
Over the weekend, fans were left in tears as they watched Amy cheer on JB from the clauditorium.
