BBC Strictly Come Dancing's JB Gill reveals turning point ahead of grand final

Strictly: JB says Sambathon was a 'turning point' for him

JB Gill has opened up about his unprecedented journey to the Strictly Come Dancing final.

The JL star is now with dance partner Lauren Oakley, after an initial pairing with Amy Dowden who exited due to injury. Speaking on the companion show It Takes Two, ahead of the highly anticipated finale, he reflected: "It's been amazing from start to finish - but it's not been without its challenges. I think I've had quite an unorthodox run on the show in the sense of having two partners and all of that.

"But it's just been so fun. All the hard work she's put in with the foundations with Amy and then of course, her having to bow out and Lauren taking over and taking everything to the next level. It's honestly been so fun."

The pop star pinpointed the samba as a transformative moment for him in the competition, saying: "I think for us we had, of course, the samba and the sambathon. This was one of the dances that was a turning point for me to live the dance, and I think dancing is very much about feeling. It's an expression, and I've learned that throughout the series, and I feel that was a turning point."

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JB and Lauren are hoping to lift the Glitterball Trophy (Image: PA)

His entry in the 20th series of the iconic dance show appeared an easy decision, as JB recently divulged it was a "no-brainer" to join. He spoke fondly of his time with both Amy and Lauren on this milestone season, reports the Mirror.

Speaking ahead of the final, he revealed: "When my agent spoke to me about doing Strictly, I was all in. It's an incredible opportunity. The thought of being able to learn so many different styles of dance was amazing. Considering it's Strictly's 20th anniversary as well, it was a no-brainer. And week one was so special. I immediately did something I'd never done before dancing a waltz with Amy. And it was especially special for her, too, because it was her first series back after her recovery."

Lauren replaced Amy after she injured her foot, initially on a temporary basis, but the change soon became permanent.

JB Gill and Lauren Oakley appeared on Strictly: It Takes Two this evening (Image: BBC)

"Dancing is my job. I just had to make sure I was ready to step forward. I was so happy to be dancing with JB, and Amy did such a fantastic job. She made it easy for me to work with JB because she did all the foundational work. I just wanted to carry that forward and do my best for Amy, as well as JB - in the end, it's his journey," she said.

"JB picks up choreography really well. He's easy to teach, so hard-working, he wants to do it again and again until he's got it right. He's an absolute dream for me. I want to make sure I've given him the right materials to feel comfortable."

*Strictly: It Takes Two airs weekdays at 6.30pm on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer.

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