Strictly stars Amy Dowden and JB Gill have spoken on their training ahead of the new series.
The BBC competition is back for yet another edition, as the show celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. However, tensions backstage are higher than ever this time around in the wake of the huge scandal that erupted following Amanda Abbington’s claims of bullying and mistreatment behind the scenes.
As a result, the Saturday night fave is now under intense scrutiny as protections are being brought into place to ensure there is no repeat of what happened last year. But ahead of the first competitive edition of this year’s series, Amy and JB have said they are excited to get going.
READ MORE: Strictly’s Nick Knowles admits ‘really tough’ time in BBC rehearsals ahead of live show
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Welsh icon Amy has been quick to share a glimpse of her training regime with JB with her loyal followers on her social media. Taking to her Instagram, the star bared all on a number of Instagram live sessions, which shared a taste of their routine.
(Image: BBC/Ray Burmiston)
Both pro dancer Amy and JLS legend JB have been eager to give updates on how rehearsal have been going, to ensure their fans know all is going well. The couple appeared on an Instagram live on Wednesday (September 18), and it appeared things were going well.
JB admitted that some of the other contestants were “working super hard”, adding that they know that the pressure is off this week as it is only Week 1. However, he explained that the pair want to show the best they can do, so training is tough.
“I think everyone wants to do well, and there’s not as much pressure this week because obviously there isn’t a results show,” he explained. “I think everyone will genuinely be putting their best foot forward no puns intended.”
(Image: amy_dowden/Instagram)
Amy herself chimed in, adding that this was a perfect opportunity to try out dance styles, such as the waltz. Though the pair have been strict in their time spent on training, as they cut a live video short on Tuesday (September 17) in order to get back to rehearsals.
However, JB admitted that he respects his dance partner for her ability to focus on the job at hand. “This is what I love about this whole journey,” JB explained, “Amy cracks the whip – I’m used to that and I like that.”
The show is continuing to feel the effects of the huge scandal that broke out after Sherlock actress Amanda Abbington quit the show last year. She walked after just five weeks on the show and claimed that her experience on the show left her with post-traumatic stress disorder.
(Image: BBC Studios/Kieron McCarron)
Following this, an internal investigation into the show’s practices was launched, leading in two of its stars – Giovanni Pernice and Graziano di Prima – being given the boot from the show. The probe into the programme is expected to wrap up in the coming weeks, though it is unclear if the results will be published.
Strictly Come Dancing airs every Saturday on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
