✨ Lauren Oakley

Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Lauren Oakley, from Birmingham, joined the Strictly family in 2022. Known for her vibrant style and technical brilliance, Lauren is also a Guinness World Record holder.

Learn all about Lauren May Oakley’s amazing dancing career, view photos & videos plus read all their latest news. Table of contents

Who is Lauren Oakley’s Celebrity Partner in Strictly 2026?

Lauren Oakley is partnered with celebrity dog trainer Graeme Hall for Strictly Come Dancing 2026. Known to millions as “The Dogfather” from Channel 5’s Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly, Graeme is swapping unruly pups for polished footwork. His warm personality and determination, paired with Lauren’s vibrant choreography and technical brilliance, promise a lively partnership packed with fun, character and plenty of ballroom surprises.

On joining Strictly, Graeme said:

“I can’t wait to hit the dancefloor.”

4* Weekend Breaks Starring Lauren Oakley

Who better to teach you to dance than Strictly Come Dancing Professional dancer Lauren Oakley. Not only can you learn to dance with Lauren, but you’ll see Lauren perform up close and personal….

📆 Friday 6th – Sunday 8th March 2026
📍 4* Alton Towers Resort Hotel, Staffordshire
✨ Starring Aljaz & Janette, Kai & Lauren, Jowita, Michelle & Simone, Leandro & Maria, David & Rosie
🎟️ £629pp Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
⌛ Less than 15 bedrooms remaining

📆 Friday 5th – Sunday 7th March 2027
📍 4* Alton Towers Resort Hotel, Staffordshire
⌛ Early Bird £659pp Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
💃 Strictly Stars confirmed – Kai Widdrington & Lauren Oakley, Julian Caillon & Alexis Warr, Aljaz Skorjanec & Janette Manrara, Giovanni Pernice, Leandro Palou & Maria Tsiatsiani, David Cockram & Rosie Ward, Team Warren & Kristi Boyce
🛏️ Double, Twin, Triple & Themed Bedrooms available
✨ Over half the rooms already sold!

⭐ Join Strictly Come Dancing Stars Kai Widdrington & Lauren Oakley, Aljaz Skorjanec & Janette Manrara, Giovanni Pernice, Julian Caillon & Alexis Warr, British Showdance Champions David Cockram & Rosie Ward, Argentine Tango Stars Leandro Palou & Maria Tsiatsiani, Team Warren & Kristi Boyce, plus the Tony Greenwood Big Band at the fabulous 4* Alton Towers Resort Hotel ⭐

Lauren Oakley Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Lauren from?

Lauren Oakley is from Birmingham, England, bringing her Brummie warmth and energy to the Strictly dance floor.

How old is Lauren?

Lauren Oakley is 35 years old, born on 2nd March 1991.

Is Lauren in a relationship?

Yes, Lauren Oakley is married to Maximiliano Omar Montes de Oca. The couple got engaged in August 2018 and married in 2019. Lauren often shares glimpses of their life together, reflecting her joyful and grounded approach to life alongside her Strictly career.

What are Lauren’s greatest dance achievements?

Lauren started dancing at just 2 years old and began competing soon after. Early successes include becoming Juvenile Champion at the prestigious Blackpool Dance Festival, winning across both Ballroom and Latin disciplines.

Lauren was crowned Under 21 British National Champion before exploring a career on stage.

When did Lauren join Strictly?

Lauren joined the Strictly family back in 2022, although has danced on the show previously.

Who has Lauren danced with on Strictly?

*Initially, Amy Dowden was partnered with JB. However, after Amy suffered a foot injury and withdrew in early November 2024, Lauren stepped in beginning Week 7 and continued dancing with JB all the way to the grand final, where they finished runners-up.

Has Lauren ever won Strictly?

No, Lauren has not yet won Strictly Come Dancing. Her first partnered series was in 2023 with Krishnan, and she returned to the competition in 2024 partnering JB Gill, reaching the grand final.

Find out who has won BBC Strictly Come Dancing with our full list of past Strictly winners from 2004 here – Strictly Winners

Who was Lauren Oakley’s Celebrity Partner in Strictly 2025?

In 2025, Lauren partnered former Premier League and international footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink. Their partnership brought plenty of competitive spirit and enjoyable performances, including a Rumba to No Time To Die and an American Smooth to Purple Rain. They achieved their highest score in week five before leaving the competition.

Who was Lauren Oakley’s Celebrity Partner in Strictly 2024?

In 2024, Lauren stepped in to dance with JLS singer JB Gill after Amy Dowden withdrew through injury. Lauren and JB delivered memorable routines including a Couples’ Choice to 24K Magic, a Charleston and a Viennese Waltz, ultimately reaching the grand final and finishing as runners-up.

Where can I find the latest Lauren Oakley news and updates?

For the latest news, videos, and photos from Lauren Oakley’s dancing journey:

• Check Lauren’s official BBC Strictly profile.

BBC Strictly Come Dancing

Find out more information about the BBC TV programme Strictly Come Dancing
by checking out the BBC Strictly Come Dancing website
www.bbc.co.uk/strictlycomedancing

Donaheys Dancing With The Stars Weekends are not associated with BBC Studios

Meet all the Strictly Come Dancing Professional Dancers

Learn more about all your favourite Strictly Pro’s here

– Aljaz Skorjanec
– Alexis Warr
– Amy Dowden MBE
– Carlos Gu
– Dianne Buswell
– Giovanni Pernice
– Gorka Marquez
– Johannes Radebe
– Jowita Przystal
– Julian Caillon
– Kai Widdrington
– Karen Hauer
– Katya Jones
– Lauren Oakley
– Luba Mushtuk
– Michelle Tsiakkas
– Nadiya Bychkova
– Nancy Xu
– Neil Jones
– Nikita Kuzmin
– Vito Coppola
– Aleksandra Isaeva
– Cristian Priori
– Lethabo Monametsi
– Maddie Ingoldsby
– Mark Karmalita

Meet the Strictly Come Dancing Presenters

Learn more about Strictly presenters Emma Willis, Josh Widdecombe and Johannes Radebe

Meet all the Strictly Come Dancing Judges

Learn more about all the Strictly Judges here;
– Anton du Beke
– Shirley Ballas
– Motsi Mabuse
– Craig Revel Horwood