December 7th 2024.
Could JB Gill potentially become a professional dancer after his stint on Strictly Come Dancing? Well, as the saying goes, "never say never."
JB, who made it to the semi-finals of the 2024 season with his partner Lauren Oakley, has not ruled out the idea of pursuing a career in dance. As they prepare for their last two dances in the competition, the JLS singer and his dance pro partner know that they are just a few steps away from the grand finale.
Their journey together began in week seven, when JB's original partner, Amy Dowden, was unfortunately forced to leave the show due to a foot injury. Since then, they have been on a roll, impressing judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas, and Anton Du Beke with their performances, which have earned them two 39-point scores in recent weeks.
But their sights are set on the ultimate prize - the Glitterball Trophy - and they are determined to give it their all on Saturday night's semi-final showdown. In an interview with The Agency, JB and Lauren shared their excitement and nerves as they make their final preparations for the big night.
JB admits that his body is feeling the strain of their last-minute rehearsals, but he is thrilled to have the opportunity to perform two energetic dances - the salsa and the pasodoble. He knows that they have to give it their all, but he is confident that it will be an amazing experience.
Reflecting on his Strictly journey so far, JB reveals that he was immediately on board when his agent approached him about the show. He saw it as an incredible opportunity to learn different dance styles and with 2024 being the show's 20th anniversary, he couldn't pass it up. He also remembers his first dance - a waltz with Amy - as a special and memorable moment in his Strictly experience.
Speaking of Amy, Lauren stepped in as JB's partner after Amy's injury. Despite the challenges of joining a competition midway, Lauren says it was easy for her to work with JB because of the strong foundation that Amy had laid. She was also determined to do her best not just for JB, but also for Amy, who had done an excellent job as his original partner.
JB was devastated to lose Amy, but he was eager to embrace the new challenge with Lauren. And it seems like they were a perfect match, as Lauren praises JB for his ability to pick up choreography quickly and his hard-working attitude. She is determined to give him the right materials to feel comfortable on the dance floor.
As they gear up for the semi-final, JB reflects on a different kind of semi-final he faced 16 years ago - The X Factor semi-final with his JLS bandmates. Although they finished as runners-up to Alexandra Burke, they received the highest number of public votes and made it to the final. JB hopes to repeat this success with Strictly and make it to the grand finale.
But even if they don't make it to the top spot, JB and Lauren are proud of what they have achieved. JB is happy to represent his family and everyone who has been supporting and voting for them, while Lauren is grateful for the camaraderie between the couples on the show.
With the end of Strictly approaching, JB's thoughts are already turning to what lies ahead. He will join the live tour from January to February 2025, alongside other X Factor alumni. And as for his future in dance, JB says he will never say never, especially after seeing how previous winners have gone on to pursue careers in musical theatre and stage productions. Lauren is also on board, saying she would love to continue dancing with JB in the future.
Whether they make it to the final or not, JB and Lauren are grateful for the unforgettable experience they have had on Strictly Come Dancing 2024. And as JB puts it, this season has been extra special because of the support and camaraderie among the contestants. So, as we gear up for the semi-final, let's all enjoy the remaining moments of this incredible season and see what surprises are in store. Tune in to BBC One on Saturday at 6.30pm to catch all the action.
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