Strictly Come Dancing 2024 viewers were all left saying the same thing about pro dancer Lauren Oakley’s role on the BBC series, after she replaced injured Amy Dowden

Strictly Come Dancing viewers all had the same plea for show bosses on Saturday night after a recent shake-up.

With one couple seeing a switch-up due to an injury, soon viewers were all commenting about one pro in particular. Sadly, Amy Dowden has had to pull out of the series due to an injury.

She was taken to hospital during filming a few weeks ago after suffering a health scare, while she later revealed she also had a foot injury. Amy broke down in tears this week as she announced the heartbreaking decision to withdraw due to her injury.

Her celebrity dance partner JB Gill was also devastated, and stand-in pro Lauren Oakley replaced Amy last week, and then again this week. Lauren will now dance with JB for the remainder of the series, with her and JB heaping praise on Amy.

Lauren was not given a pro partner this year, meaning she would be a stand-in while she also takes part in the group routines. But with Amy forced to withdraw, Lauren stepped in so that JB could remain on the show, and she is now his new partner.

Lauren and JB took on the Samba on Saturday night, and their moves left the judges and viewers very impressed. JB and Lauren were thrilled as they had everyone on their feet, with viewers at home commenting on how good the performance was.

It led to several fans making the same plea to the show, saying “never again” when discussing Lauren’s future on the show. They called for Lauren to get a partner each year, praising her dancing and training ability.

Strictly Come Dancing viewers all had the same plea for show bosses on Saturday night
One fan said: “Lauren should never be benched ever again. She’s bringing out the best in JB.” Another agreed: “I love Lauren. Should have had a partner from the start. I don’t think she’s been involved in a dance I haven’t loved,” as a third wrote: “Lauren came to show them producers they made a big mistake benching her this year.”

It comes as pro dancer Johannes Radebe was forced to address speculation that he’s preparing to quit the show at the end of the latest series. Johannes, 37, has become a fan favourite on the BBC show since joining the line-up of dancers in 2018.

He’s partnered with Gladiators star Montell Douglas, 38, this year and they’re among the remaining pairs in the competition. Earlier this week, there were reports that Johannes is planning to leave Strictly next year to pursue other opportunities.

Johannes has now addressed the speculation in a post on Instagram, with him dismissing the suggestion that he’s set to leave the BBC show. Alongside a screenshot of an article referencing the speculation, he wrote to his followers: “I’m not going nowhere! The story isnt true – I love @bbcstrictly and I want to do this beautiful show for as long as they want me – and the body will allow. I have Kinky Boots and other work in the pipeline yes but nothing will take me away. Love you all Jojo Xx.”