Strictly star JB Gill opens up on switching partners – and admits it felt like disadvantage

Strictly star JB Gill opens up on switching partners – and admits it felt like disadvantage

As a fan who has been following JB Gill’s journey on Strictly Come Dancing, I must admit that his resilience and adaptability have been nothing short of inspiring. Starting with Amy Dowden and then switching to Lauren Oakley mid-season, JB has shown an unwavering determination to succeed.

In a few short days, the climax of Strictly Come Dancing is upon us, as JB Gill is leaving no stone unturned in his efforts to captivate the audience and secure those crucial votes.

Over the course of the last 13 weeks, JB has experienced a thrilling rollercoaster ride, as he changed dance partners from Amy Dowden midway through the season when her health issues unfortunately required her to step away from the show temporarily, following her heroic return this year after battling breast cancer. Lauren Oakley is now his new partner.

Alongside Lauren, JB remains among the top performers in the competition and stands as a strong contender to win the Glitterball trophy this coming weekend. However, he acknowledges that the transition process was more challenging than it seemed.

Leading up to the final showdown, JB admitted, “At first, I found it challenging as I was accustomed to dancing and collaborating with Amy. In truth, it seemed like a setback.

Working with anyone else, including Lauren or another professional, would’ve resulted in a distinct experience. Consequently, collaborating with Lauren and adapting to her unique teaching methods and style has proven to be an entirely new adventure.

In simpler terms, “My past experiences have made it easier for me to handle this situation, but during the initial few weeks, I consider myself fortunate because I was given a Partner Selection (Couple’s Choice), which led us to perform Samba.

After roughly three weeks of collaborating, when we finally danced the Quickstep as a ballroom duo, it was like we had been practicing together for some time.

Indeed, let me clarify that transitioning into new partnerships can be quite challenging, and I believe many underestimate the complexity of it.

Strictly star JB Gill opens up on switching partners – and admits it felt like disadvantage

It’s clear that for experienced professionals, they have grown accustomed to it due to their numerous years of practice. On the other hand, for me, it was challenging when I first started out.

Instead, let’s say this: JB noted that the situation might have unexpectedly benefited him in the end. “Reflecting on it now,” he continued, “I believe it has been beneficial as it forced me to endure each and every experience.

It was necessary for me to collaborate with Amy, navigate through the phase of upheaval, and eventually adjust my approach when it came to working with Lauren.

Perhaps it has allowed me to reveal various aspects of myself. In any case, it seems beneficial.

Although Amy is no longer John’s professional dance partner, the Welsh dancer has been instrumental in offering crucial support to John and his new partner, Lauren, throughout their journey to the finals. On Saturday evening, Amy will be among those enthusiastically cheering them on.

“She was there at the semi-final and she’s over the moon that we’re in the final,” he said.

She’s been an immense source of support since the very beginning, and even after she stopped working directly with me, she has remained steadfastly on our side. She’s been cheering us on, wishing us success, sending messages, and inquiring about our well-being and how things are progressing.

Absolutely, it’s quite unusual, something I’ve never seen on Strictly Come Dancing before. However, she plays a crucial role in our team and her contributions are just as important as Lauren’s. It’s been fantastic having her by my side every step of the way throughout this process.

To secure victory, JB and Lauren will execute three final dance performances: their preferred Viennese Waltz, set to “Let’s Go Fly a Kite” from Mary Poppins in Musicals Week, chosen by the judges; their personal choice of Samba, accompanied by “Mas Que Nada” by Sergio Mendes; and a Showdance to a Motown Medley.

Then it will be up to the public to decide whether they win the Glitterball. 

However, they’ll face tough competition, as Tasha Ghouri and Aljaž Škorjanec, comedian Chris McCausland, pro Dianne Buswell, Miranda’s Sarah Hadland, and last year’s winner Vito Coppola are all contenders for the trophy.

The winner will be revealed on Saturday night’s show-stopping live finale. 

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2024-12-12 23:34