BBC Strictly's JB Gill reveals 'secret weapon' as he hits back at fan backlash

Strictly star JB Gill has defended himself after facing backlash following his first performance with professional dancer Amy Dowden.

The glitzy BBC One show has brought an array of celebrities to screens with vast backgrounds which has rustled a few feathers and sparked an ongoing debate about whether those with previous dance experience should be allowed on the programme.

Having been part of the X Factor boyband JLS, it is now a surprise to fans that JB does have quite extensive dance experience and is one of this year's contenders coming under fire with fans, along with the likes of Love Island star Tasha Ghouri.

Appearing on ITV's Lorraine, JB defended his position and explained to the Scottish host that he didn't have "Latin or Ballroom Dance," experience as he unveiled his very own secret weapon - his wife.

The former musician hailed his wife for being his "champion" and for supporting his Strictly dream by "dropping him to rehearsals" and also taking the time to meet with his dance partner Amy.

The topic was kicked off by host Lorraine as she begged: "Can we just put something to rest, everybody says 'oh for goodness sake, you know how to dance, you've been in a boyband and you did the Christmas special a hundred years ago'. But it's not the same."

Hitting back at critiques, JB said: "All I can say is the only dance I did before was a jive. Other than that I have got no understanding of Ballroom or Latin dancing - other than what we did last week and this week with the Cha Cha - and it hurts."

Racing to JB's defence, Amy chimed in to respond: "You know I think it says everything, you know Ashton [Merrygold] did it and he didn't go all the way to the final and he's got more dance experience than you," she nodded to JB.

"He got to week seven, so I always say 'Yes he holds a microphone and he'd dance with the boys in music videos'," Before Amy could finish, Lorraine interrupted with a question for the JLS star.

"It wasn't really dancing though to be fair though, was it?" she asked. "It's movement," responded JB as Lorraine insisted: "You were doing a lot of skiing backwards and forwards."

Moving on to personal matters, relating to JB's private life when he wasn't rehearsing or performing on Stage, the iconic ITV presenter went on to praise his wife, Chloe Tangney - who he shares two children with.

"I tell you what you have got a secret weapon as well as the lovely Amy, which is your lovely wife," hailed Lorraine as the Strictly star added: "Yeah, of course."

Lorraine argued: "You know she really has been at your back saying 'you've got to do this'." JB had nothing but loving words for his wife, telling the host and viewers: "She's a massive champion, she always has been obviously, she's met Amy and she dropped me to rehearsals the other day.

"I think it really helps because this whole process can be quite intense."

Lorraine airs weekdays, on ITV1, from 9am.