Heartfelt Farewell: Amy Dowden Sends Support to JB Gill Before His Solo Performance

Amy Dowden has sent a heartfelt message of support to her Strictly Come Dancing partner, JB Gill, mere hours before he takes the floor tonight with stand-in Lauren Oakley. In the grand tradition of hopeful cheerleaders everywhere, she posted, "Wishing these two the absolute best of luck tonight! I’m going to be your biggest cheerleader!" It’s the sort of enthusiastic proclamation that makes you wonder if she’s donned a sparkly outfit and started twirling her pom-poms in solidarity.

Speaking directly to JB, she showered him with praise: "JB, it says everything how you’ve been able to adapt to a new professional, produce such a great number (so excited for everyone to see) whilst supporting me! I’m so lucky! You’re a STAR! I know what tonight means to you! Thank you!" Who needs a fancy awards ceremony when you have the pure comedic gold of reality television camaraderie?

And let’s not forget about Lauren, the evening’s substitute dancer, who received her own dose of gratitude. "Thank you, I knew Jay would be in safe hands and have a fabulous time with you! You know I’ve always adored your dancing since I ran up to you in Blackpool Tower at 8 years old to tell you! Thank you, darling!” One can only imagine that this isn’t the first time Amy has gushed about a fellow dancer like a girl crushing on the star of the show.

Amy also expressed her gratitude to the Strictly choreographers for crafting a "brilliant routine! LOVE IT! Thank you!" Wouldn’t we all love to have that kind of enthusiasm in our weekly schedules? Her heartfelt appreciation didn't stop there; she acknowledged the overwhelming love and support she’d received in the past week, enthusiastically stating how grateful she was. "Now tune into the first-ever ICONS week on Strictly!" she concluded, those exclamation points practically twinkling off the screen.

This warm message came just after her surprise appearance on It Takes Two, where she discussed a recent health scare. Missing Sunday’s results program after a precautionary trip to Barnet Hospital, after feeling under the weather, Amy assured everyone, "I’m feeling so much better." Oh, the irony of feeling unwell while her dance partner prepares to dazzle on stage—it truly is the stuff of reality TV drama!

As JB and Lauren embrace a Bruno Mars-themed performance, Amy couldn’t help but beam with pride. "I’m just so proud and so grateful for Lauren," she said. "They’ve worked so hard, and JB’s just been so supportive of me and just knuckled down." It’s heartwarming to witness this connection amidst the chaos of sequins and choreography.

Both Gill and Oakley kept the spirit alive by sending Amy updates through a WhatsApp chat they've humorously dubbed “Team,” laced with star emojis. One can only imagine the playful banter and cheer that filled that virtual space. Host Janette Manrara brought a sense of lightness to the program, noting how lovely it was to see Amy "looking well." Who knew a simple visit from a friend could be so uplifting?

Hope remains high that Amy will be back to dance with JB next week—a possibility that brings a smile to both fans and fellow dancers alike. After all, Amy returned to the competition this year with fierce resolve, following a battle with breast cancer that left her triumphant. Diagnosed after discovering a lump while on her honeymoon, she assured the audience that she has "no evidence of disease." It’s a testament to resilience wrapped in a sparkly bow of sheer determination.

Amy has always wanted to share her experiences, both uplifting and challenging. Following the success of her documentary on Crohn’s disease, she spoke about her journey and how it helped her accept her condition. If that doesn’t say a lot about embracing life—with all its ups and downs—then what does? After dealing with a flare-up during the Strictly live tour, she learned that she can weather more than just the storm of dazzling lights and dance battles.

So here’s to Amy, JB, and Lauren—may the dance floor tonight glimmer as brightly as their spirits! Bring on the ICONS!