JB Gill teases Strictly partner as he admits to 'trading notes' with Fleur East
JB is taking part this year!
Last updated 16th Sep 2024
With the Strictly Come Dancing launch show hitting our screens this weekend, excitement is through the roof to see this year's celebrities show off their dance moves, as they attempt to impress the judges and viewers at home.
Ahead of the launch show on Saturday 14th September, and the first live show on Saturday 21st September, JLS singer JB Gill joined Fleur East, James and Matt on Hits Radio to reveal all the Strictly gossip.
With this year's pairings set to be unveiled during the launch show this Saturday, fans are excited to see which professional dancers will be given a celebrity partner, and it sounds like JB is very happy with his pairing!
Although he wasn't able to unveil the name just yet, he did jokingly tease: "It's a lady. She can dance."
He added: "When I found out who I got I was over the moon, I was so excited. I've met them before and they were so lovely."
JB was one of the first celebs to be unveiled for the 20th anniversary series, and it sounds like he's VERY prepared, admitting he's been trading notes with our very own Fleur, who of course made it all the way to the final alongside partner Vito Coppola in 2022.
He said: "Fleur's Strictly journey was incredible. I came down to watch with my wife as we are great friends as well, so it was nice to experience that from my end. We have traded notes a little bit so far."
Expanding on what tips she's passed on, Fleur said: "Just kind of like how to manage the load because it's a lot of work. How to pace your week, I think that has been the main thing."
And despite JB showing off his dancing ability during his time in boyband JLS, it sounds like it's a completely new form for him, with the 37-year-old saying: "It's just so alien, even the counts are just weird. You're trying to get your head around it and trying not to do what you are used to."
As fans will know, JB's band mate Aston Merrygold took part in the popular dancing show back in 2017, and despite being amazing, he was controversially voted off in Week Seven, leaving fans in shock.
Admitting his aim is to get further than Aston, JB told the guys: "The aim is for redemption certainly. We've got to get past Week Seven. That's the initial aim, but listen, my mum always has a saying whenever I do anything, whether it's this, or a school exam growing up, she used to say to me 'someone has to do it, why can't it be you?'.
"So someone has to win Strictly 2024, I mean, why can't it be me?"
However, if he was to make it all the way, it sounds like JB knows he's got tough competition from some of his fellow contestants.
Telling Fleur, James and Matt who he thinks his biggest rivals will be, JB said: "I genuinely believe there's some really talented dancers in the group. I know Sarah Hadland, I've worked with her before with the boys and she's such a bundle of energy and I know she's got some hips and toes in there.
"Shayne (Ward) of course, he comes from a performing background as well. I know him very well from The X Factor and I know that he's definitely going to be good. Tasha (Ghouri), she's danced, although it will be a different style of dancing, similarly to me. She's got that element of performance, she's definitely going to be one to watch.
"There's so many different people. Jamie (Borthwick) won the Christmas special last year. I know he's getting a bit of stick for that, but it doesn't necessarily mean anything else in terms of the longevity of the show, but he's definitely going to be one to watch as well."
Check out which celebs have signed up for this year's Strictly:
Chris McCausland
Best known for: Comedian
Chris said: "If anybody out there is thinking - How the hell is he going to do that? - then rest assured that I am thinking exactly the same thing. I don't dance, I haven't danced, I can't dance, I can't see the dancing I will have to do. What can possibly go wrong? Ok don't answer that...!"
JB Gill
Best known for: JLS singer
JB said: "I danced in the Strictly Christmas special over a decade ago and LOVED it, so when I got the call to join Strictly this year, it was an immediate yes from me. I'm raring to go to and looking forward to showing off some new skills to the JLS boys. From muddy wellies on the fields of my farm to sequins and Glitterballs - I'm here to embrace it all!"
Wynne Evans
Best known for: Opera singer
Wynne said: "I am honestly still pinching myself, a portly balding opera singer, me, taking part in Strictly Come Dancing?! I'm not entirely sure how I'll get along, if all else fails I'll just have to learn the art of distraction. What I do know is I will give it my all and aim to make Wales proud. I'm definitely going to try and combine my love of Opera into one of my routines. Plus, after winning Celebrity MasterChef last year, maybe the route to the judges' hearts will be through their stomachs!"
Toyah Willcox
Best known for: Singer and actress
Toyah said: "Wow Strictly Come Dancing, can you believe it! This is going to be a wild and wonderful ride, and I'm here for every sparkly second. I'm used to performing for big crowds but this is completely fresh for me, how I will do, it's a mystery… I just want to get cracking and learn some dance routines now!"
Dr Punam Krishan
Best known for: TV doctor on Morning Live
Dr Krishan said: "This still doesn't feel real, I am overjoyed to be a contestant on this year's show. I have watched Strictly every year with my family and it feels extra special that it's the 20th year, I can't believe I will be the one getting Strictly-fied now. This is so out of my comfort zone, but I'm up for the journey and will give it my absolute all."
Tasha Ghouri
Best known for: Love Island star
Tasha said: "Pinch me, I can't believe I'm going to be on Strictly Come Dancing! I've been watching the show since I was little – it's a firm Ghouri family favourite - so this is a total dream come true. I know it's going to be an unforgettable experience and I hope to represent and make everyone proud out on that dancefloor."
Pete Wicks
Best known for: Reality TV star
Pete said: "Dancing live in front of the nation every Saturday? Absolutely terrifying. But anyone who knows me knows I love a challenge and trying new things, so I'm genuinely looking forward to getting stuck in."
Shayne Ward
Best known for: Singer and actor
Shayne said: "I'm buzzing to see all of the sparkles and magic that is Strictly in real life. I'm no stranger to live TV, but dancing Latin and Ballroom in front of millions is a whole new level. No promises on my dancing ability, but I will give it my best shot!"
Sarah Hadland
Best known for: Actress
Sarah said: "I cannot believe I am part of Strictly! I feel particularly excited to be part of such an iconic show in its 20th year. I'm so ready for the glitz, glam and glitter and hopefully I can make everyone watching at home proud!"
Jamie Borthwick
Best known for: EastEnders actor
Jamie said: "I had a ball doing the Strictly Christmas special last year, so when I was asked to join for this series it was the easiest yes! This is a fresh challenge and it will be so different to be learning a new dance every week and for the public to have their say. I'm hoping to be Salsa-ing around Albert Square in no time and I'll be asking my Walford Strictly alumni for some words of wisdom. See you on the dancefloor!"
Tom Dean MBE
Best known for: Olympic swimmer
Tom said: "I am taking part in Strictly Come Dancing 2024! You may have heard me accidentally say it poolside first… but now I can officially talk about how excited I am to get stuck into something new, meet some brilliant people and get dancing. Bring it on!"
Montell Douglas (Fire)
Best known for: Gladiators (Fire)
Montell said: "Strictly ARE YOU READY, Fire is here to light up the Ballroom. Wow I am so honoured to have been asked to do the show. It is such an amazing thing to be a part of and I can't wait to get started. Hopefully a few of my Gladiator moves will come in handy with the Tango or Paso Doble!"
Nick Knowles
Best known for: TV presenter
Nick said: "I'm so, so excited to be doing Strictly this year. People may be more used to me getting stuck in on a building site or travelling the world, but dancing live on TV will be a whole new adventure. I've spent my whole life learning new skills and I've never been afraid of a challenge - there's life in the old dog yet to take on one more big one – being taught how to dance! I'll give it my everything .... and try not to embarrass my kids of course!"
Sam Quek MBE
Best known for: Olympian and TV host
Sam said: "As a former hockey player I'm used to playing as part of a team, but the thought of dancing on the Ballroom floor in front of a live audience is quite daunting! I'm chuffed to be a part of this legendary show and Quickstep into the shoes of a performer, it feels absolutely surreal but I'm ready for every bit of the adventure."
Paul Merson
Best known for: Former professional footballer
Paul said: "Joining Strictly is a whole new ball game for me, but I'm going to tackle this challenge head on. I'm ready to swap the pitch for the Ballroom floor, so here's hoping my two left feet can learn some moves and you never know, maybe I'll be taking home the Glitterball Trophy!"
Strictly Come Dancing begins on BBC One on Saturday 14th September.
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