Strictly Come Dancing semi-final (Image: BBC)
enthusiasts have called for decisive action regarding one of the show’s professional dancers, Lauren Oakley. This comes after her semi-final performance with , a member of JLS.
Lauren took to the dance floor with the pop star on Saturday night (December 7) during the One dance contest’s semi-final. She stepped in to guide JB through the competition’s penultimate week after his original dance partner, , had to step down.
Lauren, originally from Birmingham, was initially left without a celebrity partner in the 2024 series. However, she was brought in to assist JB when Amy fell ill just before Strictly’s Halloween special at the end of October.
Despite Amy being unable to continue due to a foot injury, Lauren continued in the competition with JB.
The pair have been seen going from strength to strength, achieving near-perfect scores and consistently topping the leaderboard. However, the semi-final marked a significant change for JB and Lauren as they received their first perfect score of the series for their second dance of the evening, reports .
:
JB and Lauren have been going strength to strength (Image: PA)
It was JB’s salsa to Basement Jaxx’s ‘Red Alert’ that truly wowed the judges, earning them a full 40 points. Craig Revel Horwood even offered the singer a handshake reminiscent of Paul , noting that the Great British Bake Off judge was among the audience.
Earlier in the show, JB and Lauren had scored 39 points for their paso doble to Requiem For A Tower by Clint Mansell. JB, who was also celebrating his 38th birthday on the night, had been told by Motsi Mabuse that his dance “was the best birthday present you could give yourself”.
Strictly fans were left with a clear demand for the show’s bosses: don’t bench Lauren next year and exclude her from competing in the competition.
Don’t miss… [WATCH]
@EurovishPaul stated: “Lauren Oakley should NEVER EVER be benched again! ! #Strictly #StrictlyComeDancing@d_loughins commented: ” @d_loughins commented: “Another reminder that Lauren was never given a partner this year to begin with. A crime. She’s absolutely phenomenonal. #Strictly.”
@ismisecolleen wrote: “Lauren has to be guaranteed a partner next year she can never be benched again #Strictly.”
@30something_30 posted: “I hope Lauren gets a partner next year. She’s brilliant! #strictly.”
@emmdeeaitch shared: “I don’t want to see Lauren without a partner at the start of a series ever again! ! #strictly.”
@alexanderls3 added: “The way Lauren has stepped in to partner JB and the STANDARD she has bought since shows it is an absolute travesty she didn’t have a partner from the start and she better have a partner next year! ! She’s INCREDIBLE #Strictly.”