Lauren Oakley

Birmingham-born Lauren Oakley has been dancing since the age of two – so it’s safe to say she was destined for the dancefloor!

Lauren began competing from a young age, with her early successes including becoming Juvenile Champion at the prestigious Blackpool Dance Festival, winning across both Ballroom and Latin disciplines. She later went on to become Under 21 British National Champion.

After an impressive competitive career, Lauren took her talents to the stage, performing around the world with hit dance show Burn The Floor as well as appearing alongside Giovanni Pernice and Anton Du Beke on their national tours.

Lauren joined the Strictly family in 2022, before being paired with her first celebrity partner, broadcaster Krishnan Guru-Murthy, in 2023. The pair enjoyed a fantastic first series together, dancing all the way to Week Eight.

In 2024, Lauren started the series without a celebrity partner, but her Strictly journey took an unexpected turn when she stepped in to partner JLS star JB Gill. The pair went from strength to strength and danced all the way to the Grand Final!

Lauren returned in 2025 alongside former footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, bringing plenty of sporting spirit to the Ballroom before their journey came to an end in Week Five.

From Birmingham to Blackpool and beyond, Lauren is back and ready to bring her brilliant Ballroom skills and plenty of sparkle to Strictly once again!