Lauren Oakley has shared some devastating family news, just hours before the Strictly results show airs on BBC this evening. The professional dancer is partnered with Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink on the current series of the dance show.
The BBC dance show returned to our screens last night as thirteen couples competed in the much-loved Movie Week. The live show opened with a Wicked-inspired routine from Strictly’s talented professional dancers, which came as the film’s star Cynthia Erivo sat on the judging panel as the show’s first-ever guest mentor.
Lauren and Jimmy took on the first Rumba of the series, the first time Lauren had performed the dance on Strictly. Jimmy received an impressive 28 out of a possible 40 points for his rumba to James Bond title track No Time To Die by Billie Eilish.
After thrilling audiences and judges with their performance, Lauren has today shared the devastating news of her family dog dying. She wrote: “Everyone’s best friend, love you forever our Gus.”
She tagged her sister Megan and said: “I’m proud of you for being the best dog mom Gus could have ever been blessed with. Now it’s time for Nan & Grand cuddles.”
A series of adorable images were shared of Lauren and Gus together, from him being a puppy to now. The pet was at the wedding of Lauren and Maximiliano Omar Montes de Oca, who she married in September 2019.
Many supportive messages have been sent the way of the professional dancer after the loss. Fellow Strictly Come Dancing contestant Dianne Buswell replied with an emotional face and love heart emoji. Dancer Jowita Przystal commented “Aw babe, so sorry! Sending all my love.”
Strictly’s Amy Dowden said “sending lots of love” and the post was liked by a number of other co-stars including Gorka Marquez and Aljaz Skorjanec.
Lauren will return to our screens this evening as the second contestant of the series is set to be eliminated, following Thomas Skinner being the first out last week.
Speaking to Radio Times magazine about joining the show, former Chelsea player Jimmy said: “Football, for me, is so easy. Dancing is out of my comfort zone. But that’s a good thing. When you stop playing football, you’re not really in that competitive kind of world. It’s nice to dip back in.”
Across his career, Jimmy played for clubs including Leeds United, Atlético Madrid and Chelsea. The news of Jimmy joining the Strictly line-up was revealed during The One Show, alongside announcements for Dani Dyer and Alex Kingston.