BBC Strictly Come Dancing star warns co-star he's 'under pressure'

A BBC Strictly Come Dancing star has said his bandmate feels "under pressure" while competing on this year's series. Aston Merrygold, a former Strictly Come Dancing contestant himself, spoke out over JB Gill as the series continues each weekend.

JLS singer JB will be partnered with Lauren Oakley this weekend, after Amy Dowden - his usual partner - pulled out. Merrygold has admitted JLS bandmate Gill is under "massive pressure" amid his recent partner swap ahead of this weekend's routine.

Amy, who has a dance school in Birmingham, missed the results show last week after she collapsed and was rushed to hospital. Appearing on ITV Lorraine today, Aston spoke to stand-in presenter Ranvir Singh and said: "It is, it is him and Lauren.

READ MORE Petrol and diesel drivers being handed free £130 from today under Labour

"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." 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." He added: "I think now it's time for J to be 'right, now I can have some fun with this." Dowden collapsed backstage during Saturday night's main show. An ambulance was called to Elstree Studios in Borehamwood on Saturday when Dowden began feeling unwell.

She had returned to the Strictly line-up this year, having missed the 2023 series after being diagnosed with breast cancer. Dowden did not appear in Sunday evening's results show as she was taken to hospital before it was filmed.

The dancer was initially diagnosed with stage three breast cancer aged 32 in May 2023, after finding a lump in her breast the day before she went on her honeymoon. The now-34-year-old was diagnosed again with "another type of cancer" later that same year and began chemotherapy.