Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden has returned to social media following a week-long absence after her backstage collapse last weekend (October 26).
“@jbgill 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!
“@laurenmayoakley 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!”
She then paid tribute to the woman who has choreographed tonight’s Couple’s Choice routine. “@lizzie.gough you for choreographing such a brilliant routine! LOVE IT! Thank you!”
Amy said the support of her followers has ‘helped’ her recovery (Credit: BBC)
‘So grateful’
Finally, Amy gave a shout out to all her loyal fans following the outpouring of support following her hospitalisation.
“Also a big thank you for all the love and support I’ve received this past week. So grateful and certainly helped!” She ended the post by saying: “Now tune into the first-ever ICONS week on Strictly.”
JB was quick to comment on the post. He told Amy: “You are the best. Your belief in me is so uplifting and your fighting spirit is second to none! Thank you for being my biggest champion and I know that @laurenmayoakley and I will do you PROUD.”
For all the latest Strictly Come Dancing news head to our dedicated Facebook page here.
“Big hugs Amy, I know only too well. Once our brains think we’re fit to conquer the world again, our bodies will tell us different after cancer treatment. So rest up, and enjoy the well-earned rest, although I know it’s frustrating. Once again big hugs to you.”
Another echoed the same sentiment and said: “Hope you are doing okay. I am a year behind you in my breast cancer journey. Finished chemo two weeks ago. Energy but not yet hair returning. Thanks for telling your story. Wishing you well.”
Meanwhile, another shared: “Big hugs and love Amy. Please look after yourself.” “I’ll be voting for these guys tonight in honour of you Amy. Hope you are feeling better. Please rest as much as you need don’t worry about the show, you are more important,” said another.
“Nobody will ever be able to replace you for your dedication and love for Strictly,” another declared, “But I’m sure @laurenmayoakley will do you proud.”
“I love watching you in Strictly but your health comes first,” said another. “Strictly is gonna feel so weird without you being there tonight,” another told the dancer.
Strictly 2024 is back for its 20th year and already the nation’s favourite dance show has gone out with a bang.
Tonight’s episode (September 14) revealed who the 15 celebrities are paired with and what dances they will take on next week. However, a couple of fan-favourite professional dancers have not been teamed with a celebrity partner.
Despite making it to Blackpool with Angela Rippon last year, Kai Waddington has not been assigned a celebrity. Sadly, the same goes for Lauren Oakley and Carlos Gu.
That said, Lauren still admitted it feels “really special“ to be a part of Strictly’s 20th anniversary. “I’ve watched the show growing up. I watched the first episode, so I can’t believe I’m now part of it, especially in such a monumental year. It’s the best show on telly, so I’m not surprised it’s lasted 20 years, and I just feel really lucky to be part of it. It’s amazing,“ she said.
Dianne Buswell will be teaching Chris McCausland to dance (Credit: BBC)
Strictly 2024: Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell
Comedian Chris McCausland has been paired with Australian dancer Dianne Buswell, who made it to last year’s finals with EastEnders star Bobby Brazier.
For their first dance, Chris and Dianne will perform the Cha Cha to The Beatles’ iconic Twist and Shout.
Joking to hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman about their partnership, Chris quipped: “She is absolutely over the moon having me because she [Dianne] really wants November off. You’ve got a holiday booked, haven’t you?!”
Jamie Borthwick is Michelle Tsiakkas’ first-ever celebrity partner (Credit: BBC)
Jamie Borthwick and Michelle Tsiakkas
After winning last year’s Christmas special, EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick signed himself up for the 2024 series. He has been paired with Michelle Tsiakkas.
After joining the Strictly family in 2022, this is the first time Michelle has been assigned a partner. “It’s a dream come true to finally be able to dance on that Strictly dance floor with a partner and what better partner than Jamie to dance with. I’m so happy!” she said.
During week one, the pair will perform a Viennese Waltz to Benson Boone’s recent chart-topper, Beautiful Things.
Asked about his time on the Strictly Christmas Special last year, Jamie said: “That’s what swung me hook, line and sinker. I don’t quite know how I managed to win that, but this is a whole different ball game! I don’t think I can blag it for a whole 13 weeks.”
Amy Dowden is back for 2024 and she’s partnered with JB Gill (Credit: BBC)
JB Gill and Amy Dowden
Like Jamie, JLS star JB Gill also competed on a Christmas special and took home the glitterball trophy. Clearly, the Beat Again hitmaker wants the full experience and has been assigned Amy Dowden as his partner.
The Welsh dancer returns to the show after having to step back last year due to her cancer diagnosis. “I’m delighted, it just feels like my first year all over again. I just want JBto have the best time and fall in love with dancing,” Amy said.
Their first dance will be a Waltz to Leo Sayer’s When I Need You.
Johannes Radebe is partnered with Gladiators star Montell Douglas (Credit: BBC)
For their first dance, Montell and Johannes will perform a Foxtrot to Dinah Washington’s Is You Is or Is You Ain’t My Baby.
“It feels like a full circle moment, not just for me, but for everybody that’s ever been involved since its inception, from 2004 until now. I think everybody should just be proud that it’s still going. It’s just amazing,” he said about the upcoming series.
Asked if she felt pleased to be partnered with Johannes, Montell said: “How can you not be, I don’t think there is a person on this earth who doesn’t want to be partnered with JoJo, I’m over the moon!”
They then joked that their team name would be MoJo!
Luba Mushtuk has been tasked with teaching Nick Knowles to dance (Credit: BBC)
Nick Knowles and Luba Mushtuk
After gracing our screens for several decades, DIY SOS presenter Nick Knowles is giving Strictly a go. To help teach him his moves, he has been paired with Luba Mushtuk.
Asked if he thought theirs was a good match by the hosts, TV favourite Nick said: “Yes, absolutely. I wanted someone who’d be patient. She’s a world-class dancer, so how can it possibly go wrong? Although, it’s a bit like taking an F1 world champion and putting them in a beaten-up old builder’s van to race…. We’ll see how it goes. I have had a bit of body work done, though – a spray paint, literally!”
Their first dancing during week one will be a Jive to Starship’s We Built This City.
Strictly’s longest-serving pro Karen Hauer is partnered with Paul Merson (Credit: BBC)
Strictly 2024: Paul Merson and Karen Hauer
Former footballer Paul Merson will be taught how to dance by Karen Hauer. “I just want him to enjoy himself,” said Karen. “I want everyone to enjoy themselves because this is one of the greatest experiences – we’re going to have the most fun!”
Keeping with the theme of footie, Paul and Karen will perform an American Smooth to Fat Les’ anthem Vindaloo.
Jowita Przystal and partner Pete Wicks have already sparked romance rumours (Credit: BBC)
Pete Wicks and Jowita Przystal
After not having much luck with Olympian Jody Cundy last year, maybe Jowita Przystal will return to the top of the leaderboard with her 2024 partner Pete Wicks. They’ve already sparked romance rumours!
Asked if he was pleased to be partnered with Jowita by Claudia, Pete said: “100%. The little pocket rocket? I’ve got this in the bag now, I’ve changed my mind – I’m going to win it.”
However, after being told their first performance will be a Paso Doble to The Prodigy’s Breathe, Pete looked confused and said: “What’s a Paso Doble?”
Gorka Marquez returns for 2024 and is partnered with Dr Punan Krishnan (Credit: BBC)
Dr Punam Krishnan and Gorka Marquez
Strictly favourite Gorka Marquez is teamed up with TV doctor Punam Krishnan.
As he returns to the show once again, Gorka revealed it’s a “privilege” to be a part of the 20th anniversary.
“It’s the dreams of any professional dancer to be on the biggest TV show on telly but also to be celebrating 20 years doesn’t happen very often. It’s incredible to be celebrating a show that has been running successfully for 20 years with so many memorable moments. To be part of something that has touched so many lives is incredible. I’m very excited to celebrate it,” he said.
Dr Punam said: “I’m absolutely buzzing. I think we are the perfect pairing. I feel honoured, because you’ve got so many years of experience.”
Their first performance will be a Cha Cha to pop princess Kylie Minogue’s Love At First Sight.
Tasha Ghouri is partnered with returning pro Aljaz Skorjanec (Credit: BBC)
Tasha Ghouri and Aljaž Škorjanec
Model, author and dancer Tasha Ghouri might have previous experience, but she’s about to learn a whole lot more now that she’s partnered with returning pro Aljaž Škorjanec.
The pair will show off their moves to Sabrina Carpenter’s Espresso in the style of a Cha Cha.
Speaking about her pro partner, Tasha quipped: “I am absolutely ecstatic! He’s so fun – chaos, but I love a bit of chaos energy. Honestly, we mesh so well, and I’m so excited. He’s already teaching me little moves, and I’m trying to keep up, but I’ve got a very good one here.”
Olympian Tom Dean has been paired with Nadiya Bychkova (Credit: BBC)
“I’m super happy, he’s not just a swimmer..he’s a winner!” Nadiya quipped of the gold medal-winning swimmer.
For their first dance, they will perform a Tango to Harry Styles’ Golden.
Neil Jones has a celebrity partner this year in Toyah Willcox (Credit: BBC)
Toyah Willcox and Neil Jones
1980s icon Toyah Willcox has been paired with Neil Jones. It will be Neil’s first celebrity pairing since 2021.
“I’ve been around the show for about 10 years so it’s incredible to be a part of this for that long,” he said about his time on the show. Toyah said of her partner: “I met Neil and I was in heaven. All of you are beautiful boys but not as beautiful as Neil!”
Toyah and Neil will also perform a Tango to Madonna’s Ray of Light.
Sam Quek will be dancing with Nikita Kuzmin (Credit: BBC)
The Ukrainian-Italian professional just missed out on the glitterball trophy with actor Layton Williams last year. So could 2024 be his year?
Sam and Nikita’s first dance will be a Foxtrot to Where Did Our Love Go by The Supremes.
Olympian Sam told Tess: “I’m so nervous. I’ve never felt nerves like it. It’s the unknown. Look at me, this isn’t me. I didn’t recognise myself in the mirror!”
Sarah Hadland has been paired with reigning champ Vito Coppola (Credit: BBC)
Strictly 2024: Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola
After winning the show with former Corrie star Ellie Leach last year, Vito Coppola has been paired with another actor, Sarah Hadland.
Asked if he thinks he’ll lift the glitter ball again this year, Vito said: “Honestly you know I love to enjoy and live in the moment and the present. Sarah and me have the same energy. I see Sarah as sparkling water, bubbly. We are going to live this journey as a bubble!”
For their first dance, Sarah and Vito will perform a Quickstep to Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5.
Shayne Ward is with Nancy Xu for Strictly 2024 (Credit: BBC)
Shayne Ward and Nancy Xu
After finishing last in 2023, hopefully, Nancy Xu will have more luck with former X Factor winner and actor Shayne Ward.
“I think Nancy is a phenomenal dancer and I feel so blessed that she’s with me on this journey,” said Shayne.
Katya Jones will be dancing with Wynne Jones this time around (Credit: BBC)
Strictly 2024: Wynne Evans and Katya Jones
Welsh opera singer Wynne Evans has been paired with Katya Jones.
“I didn’t have a clue who I was going to get,” Wynne said.”Obviously, I’m older so I didn’t know who would take me on as it were, then we went to the venue and in walks the cockney Russian!”
Claudia asked Katya what her plans for Wynne were, she said: “I think no plan is brilliant. This man was born to win!”
For the first dance next weekend, they perform a Samba to Tom Jones’ Help Yourself.
The Strictly results are in and fans are less than impressed after the judges voted to kick out Krishnan Guru-Murthy just a week before Blackpool.
Last night (November 11), the remaining couples took to the ballroom floor in the hope of impressing the judges – Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Shirley Ballas.
However, it was bad news for Krishnan and Angela Rippon as they were given the red light treatment, landing them in the dance-off.
Both couples performed their routines again, Krishnan and his dance partner Lauren Oakley performed their samba to Bamboléo by Gipsy Kings. Then Angela Rippon and her dance partner Kai Widdrington performed their paso doble to Hung Up by Madonna.
After both couples had danced a second time, the judges delivered their verdicts…
It’s all over for Krishnan as the Strictly results are in (Credit: BBC)
Judges pass verdict in the dreaded Strictly dance-off
Craig chose to save Angela and Kai.
Craig said: “Well Krishnan you really upped your game in that dance-off, it was magnificent. Angela you nearly lost your supporting leg darling in the kick but you saved it, miraculously. But the couple that I would like to save and go through to Blackpool is Angela and Kai.”
Motsi also chose to save Angela and Kai: “To be honest I’ve never been so undecided in my decision, I’ve been going back and forth, back and forth, in the end I’ve decided for fundamentals and technical level so I will be saving Angela and Kai.”
Anton voted to save Angela and Kai, too: “Well also I thought both couples danced very well – it was a super dance-off, if there is such a thing. But just for the cleaner technique really, and the more recognisable fundamentals, I’m going to save Angela and Kai.”
Shirley, however, disagreed with her fellow judges and said she would have decided to save Krishnan and Lauren.
“Well I picked the person that I felt was more grounded on their feet without any technical errors and I would have saved Krishnan and Lauren.”
Strictly results: Krishnan’s exit speech
When asked by host Tess Daly about his time on the show, Krishnan said: “Look this has been the most incredible experience. I said it has been life-changing and it genuinely has. I am incredibly grateful to the entire production team, judges, my incredible Strictly family up there.
“It’s right I am going out this week and I have got to get back to life. The thing that has made Strictly really special is Lauren. She is most incredible teacher, partner, friend. She is the real Strictly star and I am so delighted I am the first partnership you have had. Lauren is going to go a long way and I am very proud of her.”
Krishnan’s co-stars were upset to see him go (Credit: BBC)
Fans react
Viewers weren’t best pleased with the Strictly results, though.
One commented: “Shame as Krishnan was so well liked and embodied everything that Strictly is about. I would much prefer to see him at Blackpool than Angela R.” Another agreed and posted: “I knew that would happen. I don’t like shouting fix but FIX for Angela and Blackpool.” A third commented: “She could’ve been up against Ellie and still get saved for Blackpool. She was terrible again this week. Hopefully next week she’s out!”
Another concluded: “I’m sick to death of Angela R, mainly because of the fawning from the judges. Yes, she’s great for 79 blah blah but she’s had a really easy ride through the competition so far, over marked, and been saved when she shouldn’t have been. Krishnan was the real deal, sad to see him go.”
