The new series of Strictly is in full swing and as the battle for the Glitterball trophy continues, there has been a change in the pro dancer line-up.
Lauren Oakley wasn't given a celeb dance partner this year and has instead been part of the group numbers, however, it has just been confirmed that she will dance with JB Gill this weekend after Amy Dowden was forced to step down.
Lauren was confirmed to be dancing with JB after it was revealed Amy had collapsed and had been rushed to hospital.
A BBC spokesperson gave an update on how Amy is doing when they announced that Lauren was stepping up in her fellow dancer's place.
'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.'
Ahead of her appearance on Saturday, here's everything you need to know about Lauren...
Who is Lauren Oakley?
Lauren is a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing.
She is also a former Burn The Floor dance captain and recently went on tour with Anton Du Beke and Giovanni Pernice as their leading lady in their Him & Me tour.
Lauren also previously appeared on BBC Morning Live, where she offered up viewers a salsa fitness workout as part of their Strictly Fitness segment.
How old is Lauren Oakley?
She is 33 years old. She was born on 28th February 1991, making her a Pisces.
Where is Lauren Oakley from?
The dancing profesh is from Birmingham.
When did Lauren Oakley join Strictly?
Lauren joined the show in 2022, but Strictly 2023 was the first year she was partnered with a celeb.
Why is Lauren Oakley replacing Amy Dowden?
Amy collapsed after last week's show and was taken to hospital, so Lauren will be stepping up and dancing with JB Gill while Amy is in recovery.
Amy is of course a cancer survivor and returned to Strictly this year after having to miss the 2023 series to go through countless treatments.
Who was Lauren Oakley partnered with on Strictly?
Last year, Lauren was coupled up with - wait, is that too Love Island? Should we be saying partnered? Anyway - Lauren danced with - British journalist and newsreader Krishnan Guru-Murthy.
What happened with Lauren Oakley and Krishnan Guru-Murthy?
Lauren and Krishnan were eliminated on week 8 of the competition. After a dance off with Angela Rippon and Kai Widdrington, Lauren and Krishnan were sent home by three of the four judges.
Krishnan had nothing but praise for Lauren after their exit for the show.
'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. She is going to go a long way and I am very proud of her,' he said.
Who is Lauren Oakley paired with on Strictly 2024?
Lauren wasn't matched with anyone on this year's show, but will be filling in for Amy and dancing with JLS singer JB for one show.
What happened between Lauren Oakley and Giovanni Pernice?
Lauren went on tour with Giovanni and Anton and when Giovanni shared a pic of Lauren on her birthday declaring his 'love' for her, fans jumped on the 'are they a couple?' bandwagon, but they're just mates.
Is Lauren Oakley married?
Yes, she married Maximiliano Omar Montes de Oca in the summer of 2019.
Does Lauren Oakley have Instagram?
Yes: @laurenmayoakley.