Strictly pro Lauren Oakley's life off screen with husband - as she replaces Amy Dowden
The 2024 series of Strictly Come Dancing is well under way, with stunning performances from the likes of comedian Chris McCausland with his pro partner Dianne Buswell, and actress Sarah Hadland who's dancing with Vito Coppola. Also on the show are stars like ex-Corrie star Shayne Ward, who's been dealt a cruel blow ahead of Saturday night's show, and former TOWIE icon Pete Wicks.
But there were shockwaves at Strictly last week when pro dancer Amy Dowden, who was last year treated for breast cancer, collapsed backstage and was rushed to hospital. Although Amy made a surprise appearance on Friday night's Strictly spin-off show It Takes Two, it was confirmed that Amy would be temporarily replaced on the show by pro dancer Lauren Oakley - who will take Amy's place dancing with JLS star JB Gill.
The BBC had announced in a statement: "Amy Dowden MBE is doing much better and the Strictly family send her love and wish her well. She is delighted that fellow professional dancer, Lauren Oakley, is able to step in for rehearsals and to perform in Saturday's show for JB Gill's couple's choice dance.”
READ MORE:Kerry Katona says comment 'confirming' split from fiancé was part of 'a joke' to 'cheer up' sick mum
READ MORE:Strictly star hit by relationship 'curse' while performing on show as they found love backstage
Thirty three year old Lauren joined the cast of Strictly in 2022, but what else do we know about her? Well, the Birmingham-born star boasts an incredible career, having started dancing at the age of two and going on to begin competing not long after.
In her early dance days, she was crowned Juvenile Champion at the Blackpool Dance Festival, winning across both Latin and ballroom disciplines. She was also crowned Under 21 British National Champion. Lauren then began exploring a career on stage, joining the Burn The Floor team and going on to become dance captain. She has toured the world with the show, visiting places such South Africa, Australia, China, Europe, North America and Japan.
When she's not dancing, Lauren can be found spending time with her husband, Maximiliano Omar Montes de Oca, who she regularly shares loved-up snaps with on social media.
Previously she shared a tribute to her beau, with a gushing post on Instagram. She penned: "I'm grateful for so many things in my life, I'm a very lucky girl... but all because you allow me to realise my goals and ambitions, and support me every step of the way. And for that, I'm so incredibly grateful for you," along with a heart emoji.
The couple tied the knot in a stunning ceremony in the countryside in September 2019.
