Strictly's JB Gill says it's 'surreal' to dance without Amy Dowden as he breaks silence on exit

JLS star has addressed his dance partner exit.

The professional dancer will be missing this week's show after collapsing backstage last week. JB will nowSpeaking of Amy, JB said: "We’ve been able to build an incredible rapport over the last six / seven weeks and it’s been great going to the training room with her and working on the new routine and, you know, for me, learning different styles - whether it’s a Ballroom style or new Latin style - and then watching that process sort of, as it builds, into the show that we put on, on the Saturday night.

"So, to not have her in rehearsals this week has been a bit surreal. But you know, the best thing […] is that she’s taken some time to get better. We’re obviously wishing her all the best as she recovers.” During his appearance on Radio 2, the singer also spoke about working with Lauren.

He said: "Well, of course everybody’s different and especially when you’re doing partner work - Amy’s slightly shorter than Lauren, you know, there are little sort of bits and pieces that are different for each of them. So for me coming into that and not, obviously, being a professional, it’s just about having to adapt to how they dance.

"The good thing about this week is that I’m doing my couples choice, so it’s not so much Ballroom hold or Latin partner work and lifts and so on. It’s gonna be a bit more, I guess, individual side by side, because it’s icons week this weekend on the show and we’re gonna have a chance to express ourselves together. So actually, I feel like it’s gonna be a good way for me to approach obviously the changes that we’ve had this week.”

Amy was after she was taken to hospital. She had performed with her celebrity dance partner yet came to an end. meaningthat takes place on Saturday night.

Following Amy's absence, JB shared: "On behalf of both @amy_dowden and I, I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone for voting for us and wishing us well. We absolutely loved our performance on Saturday night and are so grateful to be through to another week on @bbcstrictly Thank you, thank you, thank you for your support."

Amy's spokesperson added: "Amy was feeling unwell and so an ambulance was called as a precaution. She is feeling much better and would like to thank the Strictly family for their love and concern. We request Amy’s privacy in matters of health is kindly respected." The BBC explained that "due to unforeseen circumstances" Amy was "unable" to be part of the episode, which is recorded on Saturday after the live show.

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