Strictly star shares concerns for Harry Aikines-Aryeetey after a couple of 'tough' dances
'Hopefully it'll get easier'JB Gill opened up about this year’s Strictly Come Dancing to our sister site Entertainment Daily earlier this week.
On Sunday night (October 19), the 38-year-old JLS star attended the 2025 Variety Club Showbusiness Awards in London. The ceremony, which was hosted by Katie Piper and Mark Wright, raises funds for disabled and disadvantaged children.
And, having appeared on Strictly 2024, JB was happy to spill the beans on this year’s Glitterball hopefuls…
JB Gill reveals his 2025 Strictly favourites
JB, who reached the Strictly finals last year, has remained a supporter of the show and went to watch Saturday night’s (October 18) show.
When asked who his favourite are this year, the Beat Again hitmaker praised Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey. However, he shared his concerns as he mentioned Harry – who Brendan Cole reckons won’t make the final – hasn’t had it easy so far.
“I feel like he’s had a couple of tough dances, with the rumba this week. It’s not easy to sort of get yourself stuck into those dances,” he said. JB then added that he hopes Harry is able to bounce back.
“But hopefully, once he gets into salsa and some of those ones, it’ll be a lot easier,” he told ED!.
‘I’m rooting for Vicky’
JB also named Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink as a potential frontrunner. “I think they’ve got a lot to give as well. There’s a natural rhythm in there that I’m hoping Lauren [Oakley] will be able to bring out in him,” he said.
“Vicky [Pattison] and Kai [Widdrington], too. Vicky and I, we’re good friends who go way back. And, you know, we’re the same age as well, so definitely rooting for her.”
JB admitted watching the show as a “punter” hits differently than before he competed.
“It’s a different kettle of fish because you’re going from week to week, rehearsing, thinking about your concept and ideas, and figuring out what you’re going to do. Then you’re trying to put it all together while balancing the rest of your life,” he explained.
JB shares son, Ace, 10, and his daughter, Chiara, six, with wife Chloe, who is a professional dancer.
“But for me this year, watching it again as a spectator, it’s so nice. Of course, you still know the ins and outs of what goes on behind the scenes, but at the same time, it’s really refreshing to just be back and watch it as a punter.”
Read more: Dianne Buswell pays emotional tribute to Stefan Dennis as he quits Strictly
