Lauren Oakley forced to issue warning to BBC Strictly fans over worrying trend amid Amy Dowden replacement
Strictly Come Dancing star Lauren Oakley has had to take to social media to warn her fans about a rather concerning trend she’s noticed since returning to the show’s competing line-up.
Oakley was initially benched for the 2024 series but after an injury to Amy Dowden, 34, she was drafted in to compete alongside JLS star JB Gill earlier this month.
The pro dancer had initially stood in as a temporary replacement for Dowden back in Week Seven – the show’s inaugural Icons Week – after the Welsh pro had collapsed backstage the week prior.
But her place was made permanent ahead of Week Eight and alongside Gill, Oakley has been occupying the top spots on the leaderboard ever since.
With Oakley now in a more notable role among the show’s cast, more and more of the spotlight has been shone on the dancer – but it turns out it’s not all been good.
Taking to Instagram on Thursday morning, Oakley has had to let her followers know that a number of imposters have emerged on social media pretending to be her.
Sharing a link to her only verified Instagram page, Oakley wrote in the accompanying caption: “Hey friends!
“This is my only account… lots of you have messaged me saying there’s a couple of fake profiles around asking you to follow…
“I only have one page,” she continued alongside a love heart emoji. “And it’s this one.”
Oakley will have to put the social media imposters to the back of her mind as Saturday fast approaches and she and Gill gear up for Blackpool Week.
The pair will be taking on a Quickstep to Never Gonna Give You Up by Rick Astley in the iconic tower ballroom.
Speaking to the BBC ahead of the iconic milestone in the series, Oakley opened up on why Blackpool holds a special place in dancers’ hearts and why, this year, it’s extra significant to her.
“It’s the home of ballroom and Latin,” she told the Beeb. “I’ve grown up there and the ballroom is a magical place.
“As soon as you enter, all the memories and feelings come flooding back.
“I think there’s definitely added excitement as it’s the 20th year of Strictly, and of course a little bit of pressure, but what’s most important is to soak it all up and enjoy.”
On the show first it represents for Oakley, she explained: “I haven’t competed at Blackpool in Strictly yet, but the group numbers are always one to remember.
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“Before being on Strictly, definitely any time you get announced as a winner – running on the floor to applause. All the hard work pays off!”
While Dowden may no longer be dancing alongside Gill on the show, she’s regularly supported the pairing on social media since Oakley took over.
The Welsh dancer stressed it was a fracture in her foot that prompted her withdrawal, not other health concerns. The 34-year-old only returned to the ballroom this year after finishing cancer treatment less than a year ago following a diagnosis in May 2023.
While she may no longer be competing, Dowden was praised by head judge Shirley Ballas last weekend for her part in training Gill, a comment that sparked debate among fans who felt it dismissed Oakley’s hard work.
