Strictly Come Dancing star JB Gill has issued a fresh statement on the exit of his partner Amy Dowden – describing her as “one of life’s special people”.
On Tuesday, November 4, Dowden announced she would no longer be competing in this year’s competition after sustaining a foot injury.
The Caerphilly-born dancer has battled breast cancer alongside a diagnosis of Crohn’s disease over the years and was delighted to be back on the dancefloor for the 2024 run after missing out last year.
However, after collapsing back stage two weeks ago, the star has been forced to pull out of the competition – leaving Gill to be paired with Lauren Oakley for the remainder.remainder.
Posting a lengthy statement on Instagram, she penned of her time with Gill: “JB thank you for being the perfect partner back. We topped the leaderboard week one and continued to work so hard and thank you for being so passionate.
“I’m so sad, so upset and asking why me, why now that our journey has been cut short. My heart right now is breaking having to pull out of the competition due to a foot injury.
“I’m sure at some point we will dance again JB. To all the fans, to my loved ones, my Strictly family thank you.”
The JLS singer took to his own Instagram account today to reveal how he was feeling after her departure, adding how “grateful” he was for Dowden.
Alongside a montage of images of the pair, he penned: “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.
Amy Dowden pulled out of the competition on Tuesday morning
BBC
“We talked and talked and talked in the holding room after we were paired, about life and aspirations and setting the groundwork to our involvement in a fabulous 20th series of Strictly Come Dancing.
“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.
“That said, I have nothing but admiration for you. Your fight and determination are second to none. 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. Thank you for your patience and support through every week.”
The Beat Again singer continued: “Thank you for trusting me with your creativity, doing everything in your power to enhance my ability and make it resonate on a Saturday night.
“Thank you for being the best teacher and helping me to fall in love with new styles of dance week after week after week.
Amy Dowden admitted she was “heartbroken” to not be continuing
“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.”
Gill’s wife – Chloe Gill – commented underneath Dowden’s post and sweetly wrote: “Am’s – sending you so much love! I will never forget you both dancing together for the first time.
“The Waltz will forever one be one of my favourite dances. ️I have no doubt that Team JAMY will do you proud.” (sic)
Gill and Oakley will return to the dancefloor for Week Eight of the competition on Saturday night where they’ll perform a Samba to Mas Que Nada by Sergio Mendes.
