straight talk
Amy Dowden’s Strictly partner JB Gill is under ‘massive pressure’ after partner swap, says JLS star Aston Merrygold
It comes as Amy's replacement Lauren broke her silence
STRICTLY Come Dancing alumni Aston Merrygold has admitted JLS bandmate JB Gill is under "massive pressure" amid his recent partner swap ahead of this weekend's routine.
The Everybody In Love hitmaker, 36 - who battled for the show's Glitterball Trophy in 2017 - spoke out on Thursday's Lorraine as he offered some sage advice to his best mate, 37.
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It came after Strictly Come Dancing bosses confirmed JB's partner Amy Dowden would be replaced both for rehearsals and for their Idols Week routine.
The Welsh dancer, who has Crohn's Disease and has been battling cancer, missed the results show last week after she collapsed and was rushed to hospital.
The medical drama - which happened shortly after the live episode aired - has since seen BBC star Lauren Oakley, 33, step in as Amy's replacement.
The new duo's upcoming dance - a Couple's Choice routine to a Bruno Mars track - was then revealed on Strictly spin-off show, It Takes Two.
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Now Aston, who was partnered with It Takes Two star Janette Manrara, has told of the issues his mate might now face.
He told Lorraine Kelly's stand-in host Ranvir Singh: "It is, it is him and Lauren.
"For him, obviously having to switch partners last minute, that whole thing is going to obviously play a big part on pressure.
"Sending lots of love to Amy as well," before giving a wave to the camera.
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When asked what more his Beat Again bandmate could bring to the table, Aston said: "I think for J now it's bringing out the personality a bit more.
"I think we have only scratched the surface of JB."
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Admitting everyone is. more "reserved" at the start of their Strictly journey, he added: "I think now it's time for J to be 'right, now I can have some fun with this."
ALL CHANGE
Amy's Strictly replacement Lauren - who was not given a celebrity partner this year - recently broke her silence on being a stand-in.
She took to her social media to send Amy her best wishes.
Re-sharing the BBC's statement about her replacement, Lauren added: "Sending you so much love and well wishes @amy_dowden.
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Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell
Jamie Borthwick and Michelle Tsiakkas
JB Gill and Amy Dowden MBE
Montell Douglas and Johannes Radebe
Nick Knowles and Luba Mushtuk
Paul Merson and Karen Hauer
Pete Wicks and Jowita Przystał
Punam Krishan and Gorka Márquez
Tasha Ghouri and Aljaž Škorjanec
Tom Dean MBE and Nadiya Bychkova
Toyah Willcox and Neil Jones
Sam Quek MBE and Nikita Kuzmin
Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola
Shayne Ward and Nancy Xu
Wynne Evans and Katya Jones
"Hope you're back on the dance floor as soon as possible!
"I will look after @jbgill for you this week, I hope we make you proud!";
MEDICAL EMERGENCY
On Saturday, we were first to report how Amy was attended to by paramedics at Elstree Studios and taken away in an ambulance.
At the time, an East of England Ambulance Service spokesman said: "We were called just after 9pm on Saturday to attend a medical emergency at Elstree Studios in Borehamwood.
"An ambulance was sent to the scene. One patient, an adult female, was transported to Barnet Hospital for further care."
A statement from Amy's spokesperson read: "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."
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Her replacement comes amid fears she will now be forced to quit this year's instalment completely.
Meanwhile, X Factor singer JB broke his silence in the Results Show after Amy's exit.
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