BBC Strictly Come Dancing professional welcomed back by host after show 'snub'

's Lauren Oakley has returned to It Takes Two after being left without a partner.

The professional dancer has been left without a partner for the 2024 series, leaving fans furious. The Birmingham-based dancer joined the show last year, partnering with newsreader and legendary broadcaster .

However, she is not part of the main professional dancer line-up for the 20th anniversary series. Lauren appeared on the Strictly spin-off show to present the choreography corner segment on Monday (October 21) evening as she went through each of the couples routines from Saturday (October 19) night.

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Welcoming Lauren back, Fleur said: "We like to think our couples can't put a foot wrong but that's not always the case, putting her best foot forward to explain some of the weekend's heel and toe action it's Lauren and choreography corner. Welcome back. We saw you enjoying the show on Saturday night so let's talk about the dances."

Lauren went on to discuss JB Gill and Amy Dowdan's Jive which saw them in the bottom two and perform in the dread dance-off. However, they were saved by the judges and footballer Paul Merson and his partner Karen Hauer were given the boot instead.

Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, one fan penned: "#ItTakesTwo @laurenmayoakley is back for Choreo corner [sic] #Strictly #StrictlyComeDancing." Another added: "Yay @laurenmayoakley is doing choreography corner #ItTakesTwo #Strictly #StrictlyComeDancing." A third person said: "Lauren's back for Choreo corner [sic]"

Following the news about Lauren not getting a celebrity partner, fans rushed to social media to air their thoughts. Taking to X, formerly known as , one fan penned: ""Why hasn't @laurenmayoakley been given a partner this year? ? Booooo." Another added at the time: "Will miss seeing your amazing teaching this year, Lauren!".

Kai Widdrington and CarloGu are also left without partners this year but the trio will still very much be part of the series - and the Strictly Family - and will appear in various dancers throughout the upcoming season.

Lauren shared a message to her fans and followers days after the launch showl as she sat enjoying some sun in a park. She wrote alongside a peaceful photo on her Story: "Finding time to lay down and take in the every day. Life is usually so high speed, so I'm really appreciating the small things."

She added: "Thank you for all your lovely words of support! I see you all. So looking forward to this season and supporting all of my wonderfully talented friends and their fantastic students."

Strictly: It Takes Two airs weeknights on BBC Two at 6.30pm