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My driving instructor showed me swingers’ sites & asked if I’d had SEX in car – I begged AA for help but was fobbed off
A DIGUSTED mum claimed a pervy driving instructor showed her swingers’ sites and pestered her with sexual questions – but the AA fobbed her off when she begged for help.
Georgia Lewis, from Wales, alleged her teacher constantly grilled her about explicit subjects and harassed her on social media across five months of lessons.
The 25-year-old started learning with a AA Driving School instructor in February as he had good reviews online.
But, Georgia claimed the sleazy behaviour began from the very first meeting and there was an “incident” during every lesson.
I was learning to change gears without looking and I would sometimes accidentally touch his leg and he would say that was the most sex he’d had in x amount of months and it would cost me extra
Georgia Lewis
When she stalled the car, he allegedly said: “It’s been a while since [he’s] been choked”.
The mum-of-two said: “It made me feel really uncomfortable. Even though it was inappropriate, I didn’t think there was any malice behind it.
“It was only when the comments started getting worse that I started to think this isn’t appropriate. I’d employed him to teach me to drive.
“One lesson, he pulled up outside of my house after my lesson and he pulled up a swingers’ website and was showing me nude photos of people in my area that were on this website.”
When Georgia told him she didn’t want to see those sights, she claimed he “just laughed”.
“He would also tell me that he loved playing with nipples and asked if I enjoyed nipple play. We weren’t talking about anything to do with that,” she claimed.
“I was learning to change gears without looking and I would sometimes accidentally touch his leg and he would say that was the most sex he’d had in x amount of months and it would cost me extra.”
He also asked the mum-of-two if she had ever had sex in a car, before telling her in graphic detail about the times he had, according to Georgia.
I gave them as much proof as I could and it still wasn’t enough. They just took the word of a man who was in a position of power
Georgia
Georgia also alleged her driving instructor told her he loves “p*ssy” and “once made a girl s****t all over the dashboard”.
Between lessons, he would stalk her socials, pressure her for pictures, leave suggestive comments on the posts, claimed the 25-year-old.
And, he even took photos of himself on her phone.
Georgia said: “He sent me a picture of a wooded area and said this would be a perfect place to chill.”
She said she tried to brush off the comments in the hope he would eventually leave her alone.
Finally, Georgia told her family and she reported the instructor to the AA.
The company confirmed the teacher admitted to taking selfies on Georgia’s phone and sending inappropriate emojis.
However, he claimed he thought his actions were “funny” and he was “empowering her”.
He denied the sexual conversations.
The AA said there were “two conflicting version of events” but they would “monitor his account closely moving forward” and told him it “cannot happen again”.
Georgia was stunned at the lack of action and shared her allegations online.
Her post sparked six other women to come forward with similar claims about the same instructor.
One of the women alleged she was targeted by him during lessons in 2023.
A second claimed he took her to his “favourite dogging spot” and showed her swingers’ sites as he confessed he enjoyed watching other people have sex.
She said his behaviour was “extremely inappropriate” and she changed instructors.
The same woman said she has now since reported him to the AA.
‘REALLY LET DOWN’
The AA Driving School have since apologised for the “behaviours alleged”.
It is understood the instructor is no longer be teaching for their company.
Georgia said she feels disappointed by the driving school’s response to serious allegations.
She said: “I felt really let down that they didn’t do more. This is why women don’t speak up against sexual harassment. Unless there’s concrete proof for every allegation, nothing gets done about it.
“I gave them as much proof as I could and it still wasn’t enough. They just took the word of a man who was in a position of power.
“I think he’s like this with just about every young female he’s been teaching. I think he needs to have his driving instructor licence removed.”
The 25-year-old said the alleged experience has made her “anxious” around men she doesn’t know.
She slammed the instructor and vowed he “shouldn’t be allowed to teach girls anymore”.
An AA Driving School spokesperson said: “We take all allegations incredibly seriously and investigate as soon as they are brought to our attention, as we did in this instance.
“We are committed to ensuring all our self-employed, franchised driving instructors act professionally and with high standards of courtesy.
“We are sorry the behaviours alleged by Miss Lewis fell short of these standards. In our initial response to Miss Lewis we committed to continued monitoring, and, as a result of this, have taken further action.
“We would encourage anyone with a complaint to contact us directly so we can investigate. In instances of serious allegations, we would also encourage complainants to contact the police and DVSA.
“In instances where franchisees’ behaviour falls short of the standards we expect, we work swiftly to end their franchise with us and take immediate steps to prevent them teaching under our brand.”
The Sun contacted the AA Driving School for comment.
Officer who shot Jean Charles de Menezes after failed 21/7 terror attack to break 20-year silence in shocking new C4 doc
THE gun cop who shot dead Jean Charles de Menezes after London’s 7/7 terror bombings is to break his silence on TV.
Documentary Shoot to Kill: Terror on the Tube, will hear from the firearms specialist who killed the innocent electrician in 2005.
In the trailer, a voiceover says: “One of the officers who pulled the trigger will now tell his side of the story.”
Mr De Menezes, 27, was travelling to work when he was shot at close range in a case of mistaken identity at Stockwell Station, South London, on July 22.
The capital was in the grip of fear at the time following the July 7 suicide bombings by Islamic extremists — three on the Tube and one on a bus — in which 52 people were killed and injured almost 800.
Two weeks later, on July 21, another four devices exploded on the capital’s transport system but no-one was hurt.
The culprits went on the run hunted by terror experts and police who feared they may strike again at any time.
CCTV images of the four were released.
It was against this background that Mr de Menezes was wrongly identified and shot. In the upcoming Channel 4 documentary trailer the then Prime Minister, Tony Blair, says of his death: “It was a tragic accident — that’s what it was.”
The documentary, made by Curious films, is likely to have greater poignancy in the wake of the recent court case which found another firearms officer not guilty of murder after he shot London gangster, Chris Kaba, and had to go into hiding.
Brit coffee shop boss Jamie Chapman, 34, ‘had affair with housekeeper’ before her body was found at Hong Kong waterfall
A BRIT businessman who has been charged with the murder of a female housekeeper allegedly had an affair with her before she was found dead.
Cops arrested Jamie Tzewee Chapman, 34, after the housekeeper’s body was found at the bottom of a waterfall on the island.
The victim, identified as Mevi Novitasari, 25, was found by locals in the water at the base of a waterfall on Monday in Waterfall Bay Park.
Once cops recovered the body, they found Novitasari had severe head wounds.
Police say she had been hit in the head and then drowned, ABC reports.
Novitasari did not work for Chapman but allegedly had an affair with him, according to the South China Morning Post (SCMP).
Hong Kong cops says Chapman was seen entering the waterfall with Novitasari on Sunday night – but left alone after about 30 minutes.
One witness claimed to the SCMP that Chapman tried to break up with the domestic worker at the top of the waterfall before she allegedly jumped.
They told the Hong Kong newspaper: “They took a taxi to the park, where the man asked to break up with her.
“But the woman became emotionally agitated and suddenly jumped off the waterfall.”
Novitasari, who had lived in Hong Kong for four years, was then found in the water Monday morning.
Chapman never reported her death to the authorities and instead fled to Mainland China with his wife.
The couple were caught and arrested on Tuesday at a high-speed railway station after returning to Hong Kong.
Police superintendent Sin Kwok-ming said Novitasari’s clothes remained untouched, possibly ruling out a physical altercation.
Sin said that the Brit was suspected because of his behaviour, and because he did not report the incident.
The official said: “A lot of things about him were unreasonable.
“[…] Some evidence had also disappeared for no reason.
“All these circumstances suggest that this is not a case of natural death.”
The wife, a Hong Konger, was held on suspicion of aiding a criminal.
She was then freed on bail pending further investigation.
Champman made his first court appearance Friday as cops continued to investigate the case.
Pictured for the first time, he was seen in a red shirt and sweater, sitting in the back of a police vehicle.
In court, he did not enter a plea and his lawyer did not request bail.
The judge adjourned his case to January to give time for further investigation.
The Indonesian consulate and her employment agency will help repatriate Novitasari’s body.
She was from Cilacap in Central Java province, Indonesia officials said.
According to local media, Chapman and his Hong Kong wife settled in the city after marrying, where they ran a coffee shop together.
The Brit is believed to be originally from London and graduated from Loughborough University in 2011 before moving to Hing Kong.
Iconic pub with 150 year history shuts for good after owner falls into administration
AN ICONIC pub which has been around for more than 100 years as shutting for good.
The London boozer, which often saw queues stretching up the street on popular nights, has shut down after its owners went into administration.
The Dogstar bar and club, located on Coldharbour Lane, Brixton, closed its doors for good on Wednesday, Brixton Buzz reports.
The venue, previously known as the Atlantic, had been taken over by the pub chain Antic before enduring hard times during the coronavirus pandemic.
A pub has existed on the corner of Coldharbour Lane and Atlantic Road for roughly 150 years, and was known as The Atlantic Hotel in Victorian times.
A Mr William Bailey was recorded as the incoming landlord in April 1870.
The Dogstar ran for many years as the Atlantic but closed around 1994, before later reopening under Antic’s control.
In July this year, The Sun reported how Antic Hospitality Group fell into administration with 13 boozers set to take a hit.
Steve Absolom and Will Wright from Interpath Advisory were appointed joint administrators to Elflock Limited, Babel Silk Limited, Brocade Limited and De Gremio Limited
Collectively, the companies operated 13 pubs and bars across south and east London, including:
- The Antelope, SW17
- Balham Bowls Club, SW12
- Clapton Hart, E5
- East Dulwich Tavern, SE22
- Elephant and Castle, SE1
- Hagen & Hyde, SW12
- The Sun, SE5
- Gremio de Brixton, SW2
- Graveney & Meadow, SW17
- Dogstar, SW9
- Tooting Tram & Social, SW17
- Red Lion, E11
- Coopers, SE19
It was understood these pubs will continue to function normally amid the administration process, The Sun reported at the time.
The Sun asked the administrators if any others are closing but has not heard back.
Steve Absolom, managing director at Interpath Advisory and joint administrator, said previously: “This is an eclectic collection of well-known and popular pubs and bars located in prime sites across South London.
“The sites are expected to continue to trade as usual with the support of specialist trading agents at Licensed Solutions.
“We intend to bring these units to market in due course, representing a fantastic opportunity for investors and trade purchasers alike.”
Many pubs in the UK are shutting down their doors – some even without giving any notice.
What is happening to the hospitality industry?
Many Food and drink chains have been struggling in recent months as the cost of living has led to fewer people spending on eating out.
Businesses had been struggling to bounce back after the pandemic, only to be hit with soaring energy bills and inflation.
Multiple chains have been affected, resulting in big-name brands like Wetherspoons and Frankie & Benny’s closing branches.
Some chains have not survived, Byron Burger fell into administration last year, with owners saying it would result in the loss of over 200 jobs.
Pizza giant, Papa Johns is shutting down 43 of its stores soon.
Tasty, the owner of Wildwood, said it will shut sites as part of major restructuring plans.
Punters were previously left shocked after Wetherspoons abruptly closed a “popular” pub in a town centre.
Doors of the Dockle Farmhouse on Bridge End Road, Swindon were found shut by locals who visited the boozer for a pint earlier this year.
The pub only had a sign on the doors that said the branch had been closed due to an unexpected situation, The Swindon Advertiser reported.
It read: “Due to unforeseen circumstances this pub will be closed until further notice.
“We apologise for the inconvenience.”
EFL’s first ever female manager lasted just two weeks, but women will take charge sooner or later
NO ONE is suggesting that a woman should be appointed manager of Manchester United, or any other leading football club, right now.
But it could happen when a candidate is so successful in the women’s game that her skills fit perfectly for the job.
Male prejudice appears to be a football’s castle wall to us and I found that climbing it was a little tricky when I was appointed managing director of Birmingham City over 30 years ago.
Cheeky players made comments at first and there was an incident of entry to “men only” boardrooms. Not any more.
With the barriers breached, more women moved into executive positions. Now a mix of sexes is commonplace.
But the possibility of a woman managing a Premier League or EFL team is still regarded by many men as an insult, a slap in the face with a wet apron.
Emma Hayes capturing the Ballon d’Or this week for leading the USA to the Olympic gold medal reminds me that the day a woman leads a men’s team is closer than ever though.
Hayes, at Chelsea, won the WSL title five times while Sarina Wiegman, with England, won the Euros and finished World Cup runner-up.
Similar triumphs in the men’s game would have won a knighthood.
So why wouldn’t a club take on a manager with this record, regardless of their gender?
FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS
I’ll tell you why. Because they are scared of being laughed at, or assume men won’t listen to a woman.
Forest Green Rovers briefly appointed Hannah Dingley as interim first-team coach last year.
It certainly wasn’t bigger news than Nancy Astor becoming the first woman to take her seat as an MP.
And while Astor remained in Parliament for 26 years, Dingley lasted two weeks.
It was still a tiny brick removed from the battlements but any pioneering woman will need the strongest support from her chairman and board.
No player wants to work with a manager, female or male, who does not have tactical know-how, game strategy, leadership and decision-making skills, communication skills, modern training techniques, people skills, data analysis and a long-term vision.
My guess is rebellion would evaporate as players realised the manager knew her business in all these areas.
As for supporters, a few quick wins and they wouldn’t much care if Liz Truss were in charge.
It will happen one day because women will make it do so.
Astor has been the touchstone for 263 (40 per cent) of women to win seats in July’s election.
There is no proof men are better team leaders or managers than women.
Results in industry, education and politics are at least the equals of men and in school exams a good deal superior.
So, the day a woman leads a men’s team might be closer than ever.
Until then, we’ll keep cheering as the women’s game grows — bringing the passion, skill and tactical brilliance the men’s leagues could learn a thing or two from.
Ruben Amorim is ‘Mourinho 2.0’ who turned Sporting from ‘walking dead’ into Portuguese champs… he can revive Man Utd
WHEN Ruben Amorim took charge of Sporting Lisbon in March 2020, one club official compared their situation to the “walking dead”, writes Jordan Davies.
Optimism and hope was at an all-time low.
But the Amorim-effect was almost instantaneous, guiding the Portuguese sleeping giants to their first league title for 19 years in 2020/21, losing just once and only conceding 20 goals.
Since then, Sporting have lifted another league title in 2023/24 – as well as two League Cups – and currently sit top with nine wins from nine this term.
He may be young, but Amorim already has an eye for rebuilding and revitalising fallen super powers with his infectious charisma and intense tactical philosophy that hardly ever wavers.
The “walking dead” at Manchester United must be praying for a similar sort of revival.
And they may just get it from one of the most talented young coaches on the continent – a man accustomed to breathing new life back into crumbling institutions such as Old Trafford.
Amorim has spent the last decade dreaming of one day gracing England’s Premier League, such was his admiration for an ex-United boss in Jose Mourinho growing up.
Often nicknamed ‘Mourinho 2.0’, Amorim spent a week with his coaching idol in an internship capacity at United’s Carrington training base in 2018, going on to cite him as his “reference point”.
United should not be expecting a mini-Mourinho, as Amorim said himself: “Mourinho is one of a kind. There won’t be another Mourinho. Mourinho is unique.”
And yet, you cannot help but compare the two.
For all the mismanagement in the Old Trafford hot seats over the years, this would be a real get – finally a slap in the face United’s Prem rivals have no answer for.
Iconic New Zealand rugby stadium now a park after devastating earthquake forced 38,620-seater venue to be abandoned
A STADIUM once feared by the British and Irish Lions has been turned into a recreational PARK after a deadly earthquake left it abandoned.
The turn-stiles at Lancaster Park in Christchurch, New Zealand were closed for good after the devastating quake hit on 22 February 2011.
The earthquake took 185 lives that day.
And the iconic stadium closed permanently due to damage sustained, before it was ultimately demolished in 2019.
It has since been transformed into a public recreational park with facilities for community sport, and was re-opened in June 2022.
Lancaster Park was the home of the Crusaders rugby union team and hosted Canterbury cricket games too, for more than 100 years.
But the 38,628-seater was forced to close after the tremor lifted the concrete piles under the stands and dropped them at the wrong angle.
It was the dark grey syrup from the liquefaction that oozed through the surface that essentially killed any hope of the venue returning to its former glory.
Liquefaction is a process that occurs when sediment loses strength and behaves like a fluid.
But the Crusaders’ fortunes changed when plans were announced to build a brand new INDOOR stadium in Christchurch.
FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS
The £315m Te Kaha Stadium, which translates to ‘One New Zealand’ is NOT on the same site as Lancaster Park – but 1.5 miles away.
And Google maps says it’s a five-minute drive away.
Rob Penney admits it is “emotional” to see construction of a new ground in central Christchurch, more than a decade on from the devastating earthquakes.
The new Crusaders manager said: “That ripped everyone’s lives apart here.
“We were unable to use the stadium after that and we ended up using Rugby Park and that was a great venue in the short-term and then the move to where the boys are now (Apollo Projects Stadium).
“It’s a little bit emotional really because it’s something the city has been crying out for, for a long time.”
Penney was Canterbury’s provincial coach when the first earthquake hit during the early hours of 4 September 2010.
The 2011 6.3-magnitude intraplate incident may have been an aftershock of the 7.1-magnitude of the previous September.
The last sheets of the new Te Kaha Stadium will be installed in the north stand around the middle of 2025.
Crusaders’ chief executive Colin Mansbridge said he was confident the 25,000-seater will open in April 2026.
Crusaders membership holders for both the 2024 and 2025 seasons will automatically join a priority waitlist to secure a desired seat at Te Kaha.
Mansbridge added: “People have just been so excited about the arrival of Te Kaha.
“It’s an opportunity for them to get first dibs.”
City Infrastructure General Manager Brent Smith says the third stage of works is “the final piece of the puzzle”.
Lancaster Park was scheduled to host five pool matches and two quarter finals at the 2011 Rugby World Cup, won by the All-Blacks.
But Christchurch lost its rights to host the seven World Cup games in September 2011, as the city was too damaged to host fixtures.
Lancaster Park (also known as the AMI Stadium and Jade Stadium) was far from the only venue affected.
QEII Park, which hosted the 1974 Commonwealth Games, was also damaged beyond repair and demolition began in 2012.
Christchurch has gone over a decade without an international-quality ground.
Lancaster Park previously hosted 48 All Blacks test matches from 1913 to 2010.
The Lions’ were beaten 13-10 in their first appearance there in 1930, and lost 13-10 in lost their most recent in 2005.
First and last international games played at Lancaster Park
Rugby
1st test: NZ 5 Australia 16, 1913
Last test: NZ 20 Australia 10, 2010
Cricket
1st test: NZ v England, 1930. England won by 8 wickets
Last test: NZ v Sri Lanka, 2006. NZ won by 5 wickets.
Moment armed cops swarm baggage hold on NYC-bound plane after banging heard at 30,000ft sparks fears of trapped worker
THIS is the moment armed cops swarmed a diverted plane after banging was heard from the cargo hold at 30,000ft.
The American Airlines pilot told passengers that a person could have been making the noises, sending panic through passengers, Clarin reports.
Flight AA954 was en route to New York from Buenos Aires on Thursday when turned around after 400miles to make the unplanned early landing.
Passengers and crew members reported hearing unusual banging noises coming from the cargo hold where the baggage is securely stowed.
The pilot announced that the plane was returning to Buenos Aires due to a problem and then revealed that there was a person locked in the cargo hold hitting a blunt object, apparently to be rescued.
The hold is not usually accessible while the aircraft is in flight and is not used to store live cargo.
Airport security said: “Noises were heard in the cargo hold, enough to give rise to suspicions that there was something unusual.
“The captain referred to a security problem due to hearing noises that coincided with the presence of a person in the cargo hold.”
Heavily armed cops and sniffer dogs were put on standby to welcome the flight back and check for danger.
Footage filmed by those on board after the aircraft landed showed a SWAT team armed with firearms and shields entering the hold.
The officers are carried up to the fuselage of the plane on the lift which usually raises up luggage.
Once they reach the top, the officers charged in with passengers in their seats filming.
Other airport workers could be seen nearby on the ground to witness the unusual incident.
However, when police got inside the hold found nobody there.
They reported: “The hold was opened and the unloading of the luggage containers began, without anything outside the normal parameters being seen at the time.”
TRAPPED
A similar incident occurred with a United Airlines flight in 2017 when a baggage handler was trapped in the hold for an hour.
The jetliner flew from Charlotte, North Carolina, to Washington Dulles International Airport with the man stuck in the hold.
When the aircraft touched down on New Year’s Day, the man who was an employee of a third-party baggage handler was unharmed.
As well as having none of the safety precautions that can be found in the cabin of a plane, the cargo hold also usually lacks temperature control.
“It surprises me how a person’s co-workers could let that happen when they’re supposed to be checking up on each other,” Paul Thompson, a longtime ramp agent at Denver International Airport told CNN at the time.
“It is up to the gate crew at my airline to check inside the bin before the door is shut.”
He highlighted that a common issue is that while exhausted workers are waiting for passenger bags they fall asleep for a quick “10 to 15 minute” nap in the baggage compartment.
“We’re not supposed to do it, but people do it all the time,” he said.
“I’ve seen it happen pretty frequently,” Thompson said.
“If you’re going to be smart about it – if you’re going to choose to fall asleep inside the bin, you’re going to be close to the door and not hiding back in the corner.”
In 2015, this happened to a baggage handler who woke up to find themselves trapped in an Alaska Airlines flight that had taken off from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
After being in the air for 14 minutes the aircraft returned to the airport following the employee’s 911 call and consistent banging on the plane’s bulkheads.
Strictly’s Amy Dowden issues health update as she makes TV return after hospital dash
STRICTLY Come Dancing star Amy Dowden issued a fresh health update as she made her TV return after her hospital dash.
The professional dancer appeared on It Takes Two alongside former JLS singer JB Gill and her replacement Lauren Oakley.
Amy, 34, was previously forced to pull out of this week’s show after she was rushed to hospital.
Former professional Janette Manrara welcomed the trio into the studio to give an update on JB’s progress for his forthcoming Couple’s Choice routine.
Straight away, Amy issued a fresh update on her health before they had even mentioned the upcoming routine on the BBC Two spinoff show.
She admitted: “Yeah, I’m feeling so much better.
“And I’d just like to thank everyone for all the love and support I have received.
“And to my Strictly family, I’m feeling much better.”
An ambulance was called to the set at Elstree Studios after she collapsed backstage.
Although Welsh pro was said to be “doing much better”, BBC bosses confirmed that Lauren Oakley will step in.
A Strictly Come Dancing spokesperson said: “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.
“We are all hopeful that Amy will be back to dance with JB next week.”
However, Amy revealed that even though she is not going to dance this weekend, she’s still very involved in JB’s rehearsals.
Speaking about her pride she admitted: “Not only did he have a new partner, [he had a] completely new style as well.
“And you know what? I’m just so proud. I’m so grateful to Lauren, but they’ve worked so hard.
“JB has been so supportive of me. He has knuckled down and the pair of them have been messaging all week saying ‘we just want to make you proud.'”
Strictly Amy's cancer 'nightmare'
The Sun's Jamie Downham takes a look at the beloved Strictly star's ups and downs...
AS Strictly Come Dancing viewers know, you’ll struggle to catch Amy Dowden without a huge smile on her face.
But recently the Welsh star – one the best-rated Ballroom and Latin American professional dancers the UK has ever produced – has suffered a string of “nightmare” blows to her health.
She was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in May last year and underwent a full mastectomy, before having chemotherapy towards the end of 2023.
However, she later reported docs had found a clot on her lung, telling fans sadly: “Unfortunately I’ve had another nightmare this week.”
Nonetheless, brave Amy, seen here dancing with James Bye, made an epic return to Strictly the following month with an appearance that left many viewers in floods tears.
As 2024 dawned, she admitted: “I feel I was robbed of the year I had planned and reflecting for me makes me upset and angry.”
However, she was soon smiling again. Amy, her hair starting to grow back after her cancer treatment, was seen messing around with her co-stars Dianne Buswell and Vito Coppola on the Strictly tour earlier this month.
And despite another spell in hospital in February, she still mustered a cheeriness many would struggle for, telling fans: “The sun is shining – and I certainly can’t wait for Spring.”
And we certainly can’t wait to see you dancing again, Amy…
Lauren revealed that they had even been sending Amy videos of their rehearsals .
“Yeah I set up a little WhatsApp group and we’ve been sending Amy videos,” she said.
Keen to emphasise her involvement, Amy continued: “I called it ‘team’ – I know you love the word Team – and I put a star next to it.
Adding: “They’ve been sending videos and messages and everything.”
Yeah, I’m feeling so much better… I’d just like to thank everyone for all the love and support.
Amy Dowden
The TV personality has Crohn’s Disease and has been battling stage three breast cancer for almost 18 months.
JB also revealed that it was “surreal” for him having to switch partners midway through the competition.
“It was surreal, obviously, because I’m very much used to working with Amy,” he remarked.
“There have been times when we’ve had to work with Lauren, and so, you know, Lauren’s Lovely, she’s amazing. She’s an incredible dancer.
Strictly 2024 pairings
Here's who is matched with who this series...
Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell
Jamie Borthwick and Michelle Tsiakkas
JB Gill and Amy Dowden MBE
Montell Douglas and Johannes Radebe
Nick Knowles and Luba Mushtuk
Paul Merson and Karen Hauer
Pete Wicks and Jowita Przystał
Punam Krishan and Gorka Márquez
Tasha Ghouri and Aljaž Škorjanec
Tom Dean MBE and Nadiya Bychkova
Toyah Willcox and Neil Jones
Sam Quek MBE and Nikita Kuzmin
Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola
Shayne Ward and Nancy Xu
Wynne Evans and Katya Jones
“Of course, we’ve been watching her doing the group numbers and so on throughout the series so far.
“And so for me, it was just a case of, ‘Right, we’ve got Lizzie and Kane helping us [choreographers]’,
“We’ve got a completely different style of dance as well. So I felt like there was a little bit less pressure, certainly, on Lauren and on both of us in terms of executing the dance.”
He added: “And it was just a time for us to let go and be in the moment, enjoy the music. And that’s what it’s all about.
Strictly Come Dancing continues on BBC One and is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.