Former BBC Strictly Come Dancing star says JB Gill is 'under pressure' and needs to 'show more personality'

A former Strictly Come Dancing contestant has said JB Gill needs to 'show more personality' amid claims he is 'under pressure'. JLS star JB is through to another week on the BBC dance contest after surviving Halloween Week, however he will be paired with a different partner this weekend (November 2).

During the live show last Saturday (October 26), JB's professional dance partner Amy Dowden was rushed to hospital and notably absent from Sunday's results show after she allegedly 'collapsed' after her performance.

Although she is now said to be doing much better, representatives for the show decided that Strictly pro Lauren Oakley would take her place, with bosses 'hopeful' Amy will be back performing the following week.

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A Strictly Come Dancing spokesperson said: "Amy Dowden MBE is doing much better and the 'Strictly' family send her love and wish her well.

"She is delighted that fellow professional dancer, Lauren Oakley, is able to step in for rehearsals and to perform in Saturday’s show for JB Gill’s couple’s choice dance. We are all hopeful that Amy will be back to dance with JB next week."

JB's fellow JLS star, Aston Merrygold, has now said that he wants his bandmate to show "more personality" in the coming weeks. Aston, who competed in the BBC show himself with professional Janette Manrara in 2017, insists that JB has only just "scratched the surface" of what he can actually do.

"I think JB is doing amazing, he should just continue what he's doing. I think for J now, he just needs to bring out the personality a bit more. I think we've just scratched the surface of JB and what he can actually do so I'm looking forward to these next few weeks," Aston said.

"In that show, everyone goes into it - whether you're a performer or not - no one is a Ballroom and Latin dancer so JB can go 'Okay, I can have some fun with this'."

Aston added: "I think having to switch partners at the last minute, that whole thing is obviously gonna play a massive part and pressure so I'm sending lots of love to Amy as well."