JB Gill has been praised by his Strictly Come Dancing co-stars and fans as he hailed a 'brilliant example' in his life and shared the truth about the gig that shot him to fame.
While he's currently best known for taking part in the BBC One dance contest last year alongside both Amy Dowden and Lauren Oakley, making it to the final of the hit show, JB's career kicked off on The X Factor with JLS.
The group - made up of JB, Aston Merrygold, Oritse Williams and Marvin Humes - were a band ahead of auditioning for the ITV singing competition, which saw them finish runner-up to eventual winner Alexandra Burke.
They continued to go from strength to strength before disbanding and taking on their own solo projects. They then reunited back at the start of 2020 but have still continued to do things outside of the band, including JB taking part in Strictly.
But in terms of them personally, JB took to Instagram to pay tribute to Marvin as he celebrated his 40th birthday on Tuesday (March 18). He took to Instagram and posted a string of pictures of the pair, as well as the band, taken over the years.
Captioning the post, the singer, presenter and farmer wrote: "Happy 40th Birthday to my brother from another mother! I've almost known you for half of your life LOL! I actually can’t believe it’s been that long since we first met in that dusty old (sorry) Dance Attic studio.
"You and the rest of the boys made me wait outside for ages before finding out I’d become the final member of JLS and from day 1 I admired your enthusiasm and drive. Your knowledge and focus was second to none and you very quickly became the “dad” of the group. Your work ethic has always been something of a privilege to witness and match in myself, always going the extra mile to make things work."
He continued: "You’ve had some incredible career successes but you take that success into every part of your life too. You’re a brilliant example of a family man, continually demonstrating that you would do anything for them, no matter the cost.
"So keep being the positive black male role model that our society often lacks, keep being the example of what it takes to be a great husband, father, brother and man, inspiring those you know and those you don’t.
"I’m proud of you and all you’ve achieved and pray for you to increase in every aspect of your life as you enter this new decade! Happy Birthday my friend. I look forward to celebrating this amazing milestone with you soon but remember that you are blessed and never, ever give up the standard!! Big love, always."
Marvin was clearly blown away by the tribute, as he wrote in the comments section: "J..what are you doing to me brother. Wow..I’ve felt the love today but this message has touched me! Wow..brother..literally over half my life and to think everything we’ve experienced is maddddd..
"There’s so many great memories but i think my favourite was DJing at your 21st for 6 hours when no one knew who we were and we had the best night in that little tent at Auntie Millie’s house..the memories bro!"
He emotionally added: "I’m so proud of you brother equally and more..couldn’t be more proud and always looked up to you bro..love you brother and Chloe, Ace and Kiki..we’re blessed bro and thank you for your amazing post..love brother."
JB's new Strictly pals as well fans were also quick to respond. Sarah Hadland said: "Such lovely words JB." @samanthamillerx commented: "So so so cute, amazing post JB." @shannonknight591 replied: "This is what brother love is all about."
@jemmanichollee wrote: "You have an amazing way with words, this couldn’t be truer! Big love our marv." @aimeelouise2019xox added: "Love this post JB such lovely words. The words on this post made me cry, Love you both."
