Chloe Gill, the wife of Strictly Come Dancing finalist JB Gill, has been inundated with support following a candid reflection on 2024 as she looks ahead to the new year.
The mum-of-two opened up about the tumultuous and “personally challenging” time she faced last year, for much of which she was simultaneously supporting her husband in the BBC dance competition.
Gill, who’s a trained dancer, was propelled into the spotlight thanks to her JLS singer husband’s stint on the show, regularly appearing on-screen as he took on his routines.
She also accompanied her husband in the rehearsal room several times as he trained for each Saturday night extravaganza alongside his partner Amy Dowden and subsequent stand-in Lauren Oakley.
Despite reaching the finale – where the JLS star missed out on glory to Chris McCausland – the route to the last show was far from plain sailing as the husband and wife duo faced criticism for dance teacher Gill’s involvement in the rehearsal room.
Through social media updates, Strictly fans suggested Gill was “interfering” with her husband’s preparations alongside both Dowden and Oakley – a suggestion neither pros nor the singer agreed with.
JB Gill and Lauren Oakley made it all the way to the Strictly Come Dancing final last year
BBC
In fact, Gill attempted to mock the criticism of her behaviour in a sarcastic Instagram post in the days after the finale.
Now, having spent the festive period abroad following last year’s BBC dance competition, Gill has returned to social media to reflect on the past year.
Alongside the snap of her husband and their two children on holiday, Gill penned: “I’ve been hiding away with my babies for the last 11 days! I knew it was needed but I didn’t realise just how much!
“Last year was possibly one of the most personally challenging for me. Keeping everything going, being everywhere, supporting everyone, living up to everybody’s expectations and trying to keep those around me happy in the midst of this fast-paced life we live was exhausting and overwhelming.
“It got to the point where people began saying that I was physically there but mentally absent! I was en route to burning out so this break was well and truly needed!!
“I learned a lot about myself, the main thing being that somewhere deep inside me, I have a grit and determination that will not allow me to break. I had multiple tests and situations that brought me close to breaking point but each time I realised that it was nothing a good cry and pulling up those big girl pants couldn’t sort out.
“This year, I’m really going to try and be kinder to myself and look after my body, mind and soul,” she continued. “I’ve neglected this since having children as they completely consume my life but I know that once I take a little time for myself, everyone around me will be able to benefit from a better version of me.”
Gill concluded her post by saying her “aim” for the year “is that as I come to the end of 2025 I’ll feel less burnt out and overwhelmed”, adding: “2025, I’m finally ready to take all you’ve got to throw at me! It’s going to be an amazing year #thegills #newyear #2025.” (sic)
Before long, friends and fans rushed to support the dance teacher, including her husband who replied: “Always my favourite time of the year and well deserved @mrschloegill. Thank you for all you do for our family through thick and thin. We love you always.”
Elsewhere, Strictly star Dowden showed her support with a love heart emoji while It Takes Two host Fleur East responded: “Beautiful photo,” alongside love-heart-eyed emojis.
Oakley also showed her support to Gill by liking the post, as did fellow famous faces Motsi Mabuse and Rochelle Humes.
The Gills may have said farewell to the Strictly ballroom following last year’s finale, but there’s still plenty of dancing in the diary for the JLS star.
The 38-year-old will accompany several of his co-stars on the Strictly live tour this year, heading up and down the country to perform for adoring fans.
Fellow celebs Jamie Borthwick, Montell Douglas, Sarah Hadland, Wynne Evans, Tasha Ghouri and Shayne Ward have also signed up for the tour, kicking off on January 17 in Birmingham.
