Bouncing back after their shock landing in the Strictly dance-off, 2024 stars JB Gill and Amy Dowden emanate nothing but positive vibes when Closer catches up with them ahead of the show's annually-anticipated Halloween week.
JLS superstar JB, 37, is thrilled to be back in the ballroom sphere this week, saying, 'Although I don't specifically celebrate Halloween, we're definitely in the spirit of the weekend and what it entails. We're dancing a foxtrot and it will be very fun and playful.' Professional dancer Amy, 34 - who reveals that they will be transforming into scarecrows for spooky season - reflects on winding up in the dance-off last week, positively noting, 'Two couples unfortunately every week are going to be in that bottom two. So you've always got to prepare yourself - it's part of the show.'
From JLS moves and behind-the-scenes rituals, to how their partners have bonded at the live shows, JB and his Strictly pro kindly use their lunch break to fill Closer in on their journey so far...
How would you describe each other as dance partners?
JB: Amy's brilliant. She's incredibly patient, and I think you need patience, especially when working with someone who has no background in dance. I feel like we've been paired very, very well.
Amy: Everybody comes into our training room, like VT [video tape] and researchers, and they always say, 'They're so calm.' We're very similar - in the studio, it's fun, it's calm, and we're just doing the best we possibly can. J is so kind but he still wants to learn, which is so lovely.
Have you adopted any rituals?
A: JB buys me ginger shots and turmeric shots every day.
JB: Keeping all the germs at bay! I think your best ability is availability. We're not here for any injuries or anything like that, so we're trying to keep our health in check. On the live show, we always do a run-through and we say a little prayer before we start the show as well. Right before we actually do [the dance], we usually have a few deep breaths.
A: J always says the most lovely words in prayer. We hold each other's hands and it gives us time to breathe.
JB: If you don't have those moments of calm, sometimes you can get lost in all the madness.
How do you like to unwind around rehearsals?
A: J is teaching me some singing. I can’t sing, but when we want five minutes in the studio to get out of this dancing world… I’m trying to go, '[hits a high note]'.
JB: It's a work in progress. Just put it that way.
A: I've also taught J to count to five in Welsh.
Can we expect any JLS moves to appear in your routines?
JB: You missed week two, cha-cha-cha - JLS moves were in there right at the start! You never know, we might be able to get a few more in.
How are you juggling Strictly with life on the farm, JB?
JB: It's full-on, I'm not going to lie. Of course I do miss it, but I'm in my element being in the rehearsal studio and performing every Saturday night. It's such a great cast and crew to be around. It's been a long time since I've been on a show like this and it's really nice to share it with the family.
A: J is the nicest, most humble guy you can meet and with all the cast, he is their biggest champion. Dress run, he's lifting everyone's spirits. He's clapping and cheering everyone on. It's just so lovely.
Is Chloe [JB's wife] helping you practise JB?
JB: She's not really helped me practise when it comes to ballroom or Latin dancing but she's my biggest champion. It's great to have my wife in my corner, and that's comforting. Obviously last week was a tough week…
A: It was the first week Chloe wasn't there. She was in Paris with the kids [Ace, 10, and Chiara, six] - the kids are just as talented as JB - and she was really torn because Ace was playing [football] there.
JB: She was gutted she couldn’t come to the live show. But that's what it's all about - both of us have supported each other all throughout our relationship and I'm very blessed to have inner family to come and support, even if Chloe's not there.
A: His in-laws came [last week] and my parents came down so they got to meet each other. My husband gets on with Chloe, they’re quite similar.
JB: It's all about your support network. It makes a huge difference.
WATCH: The cast of Love Island reveal ALL of their villa secrets
Millie Payne is a News and Entertainment Writer for Closer. She has specialised in showbiz interviews, features, articles and roundups for over three years and loves combining her love for writing, talking and all things popular culture.