JB Gill already feels Strictly Come Dancing pressure from Craig Revel Horwood

As a long-time aficionado of Strictly Come Dancing, it’s truly heartening to witness the return of two beloved figures, JB Gill and Amy Dowden, who are both eager for their comeback to shine brightly on the Glitterball stage this season.


This Strictly Come Dancing duo makes a return after quite a journey. The 2012 Christmas special champion, JB Gill (famously of JLS), steps onto the main show floor for the first time this season. Meanwhile, Amy Dowden, their professional partner, returns to the competition following her absence last year due to cancer treatment.

And they’re both hoping their comeback will lead to Glitterball glory… 

Hey JB, since you took the title at Strictly Come Dancing in 2012, I’m curious to know why there was such a significant break before returning to the main competition?

As a passionate movie critic, I firmly believe in fully immersing myself into any project I undertake. When it comes to taking on the lead role, I recognize that the freedom to perform at my peak is essential.

This year, I informed my representative that “I’m very interested, but I’m uncertain if it will pan out.” However, when they provided me with the schedule, amazingly, all the proposed dates were available.

Do you feel you have good rapport?

Amy: Yeah, we definitely do. And we kept being put together, so I definitely had an inkling.

User: My spouse expressed, “It seems they prefer you spending time with Amy.” I was quite optimistic about the possibility. I’ve encountered Amy previously, and she’s delightful. I was confident that things would go well.

Hey Amy, welcome back! It’s great to see you again, especially since you’ve returned following a year-long hiatus for breast cancer treatment. Can you share your feelings about being back with us?

Amy: It’s hard to believe it’s real. I find myself getting emotional often. There are times when I reflect on this same period last year, remembering how isolated I felt and unable to dance as I should.

Overwhelmed by emotion, I couldn’t help but cry, as I watched the happy couples around me. Oh, if only I could reach my past self and say, “Don’t worry, you’ll be okay. Next year, you’ll be dancing alongside them again.

JB Gill already feels Strictly Come Dancing pressure from Craig Revel Horwood

JB, how is your fitness?

JB: For some time now, I’ve been touring with the JLS guys and our performances are quite energetic. It’s like an hour and a half workout without even realizing it, which makes me feel fit before the competition. I can tell Amy is going to make sure I stay in shape. She’s chuckling!

Hey Amy, given that JB has been dancing quite a lot with his group, does that perhaps give you a slight edge in this year’s competition?

Amy: Yes, it’s quite unlike any dancing JB has done before. I can’t recall a time when he held his arms up in a ballroom position for such an extended period, not while waltzing or tangoding. For JB, there seems to be an added pressure because people might have certain expectations, which I find tends to be more challenging.

Craig had previously mentioned this. When I announced my entry, Craig commented, “I’m curious about your approach.” Therefore, I am aware that there will be some sort of standard or expectation to meet!

I’m going to ask you to call it, Amy. How far are you going to get?

Amy: It’s important to reach for great heights, but let’s not burden ourselves with excessive expectations. Instead, let’s savor each and every week as it comes.

We’re primarily competing against ourselves, and the disappointment from last year has only fueled my determination. I simply wish to stay involved for as long as I can, making up for the time that was lost.

JB, what week are you most looking forward to?

AL: For me, it’s all about Movie Week! The idea of breathing life into a story that audiences have already seen unfold on the big screen is simply captivating. What a thrill that would be!

JB Gill already feels Strictly Come Dancing pressure from Craig Revel Horwood

Amy, you’ve been open about the online harassment you faced during your cancer journey, and it seems everyone here is under intense public scrutiny, either receiving accolades or criticisms. How do you manage dealing with that?

Amy: Last year, the smallest comments could send me over the edge because everything I knew was taken from me. Now, I’ve found my peaceful haven and my heart is overflowing with joy. I don’t intend to let anyone rob me of this moment.

JB: The event is quite substantial. There will surely be compliments and criticism from judges, along with a variety of comments whizzing around. For my part, I prefer to emphasize on the bond we share. As far as Amy remains calm, so will I. I believe that having strong support systems, such as family coming to encourage us, significantly boosts our confidence. This kind of backing truly extends a great distance.

However far you get, what would you like to get out of this experience?

Amy finds it remarkable how JB developed a passion for dance, choreographing unforgettable routines alongside him, which they and their family will cherish by revisiting them over time.

JB: I find joy in mastering a new talent while keeping things enjoyable. Of course, this period can be challenging since I have young children. It’s important to me that I adapt well, ensuring a smooth transition for them, and making memories that our family will be proud of.

A condensed version of this interview appears in last week’s issue of TopMob.

JB Gill already feels Strictly Come Dancing pressure from Craig Revel Horwood

Strictly Come Dancing continues at 6:15pm this Saturday on BBC One and iPlayer.

Have you heard? You can now request an earlier version of TopMob magazine through our newly launched back issues service!

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2024-09-28 09:34