Strictly star Lauren Oakley has been dazzling viewers on the dancefloor alongside her celebrity partner, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, a former professional footballer best known for his time playing for Chelsea and Leeds United. The 34-year-old dancer, who joined the Strictly family in 2022, is a firm favourite amongst viewers of the show, but how much do you know about her life away from the ballroom? As Lauren and Jimmy prepare to impress the judges with their American Smooth to Prince's 'Purple Rain', join HELLO! as we take a closer look at Lauren's life off-camera. Read more about her husband Maximiliano Omar Montes de Oca here…
When did the couple get married?
Lauren and Max said "I do" in September 2019. On her big day, Lauren looked every inch the beautiful bride in a backless lace gown crafted by Made with Love Bridal. She teamed her gorgeous lace dress with a dainty flower crown and walked down the aisle clutching a bouquet of gorgeous sunflowers. Her beau, Max, meanwhile, looked dapper in a three-piece suit and white boutonniere.
© InstagramReflecting on her big day, Lauren captioned one of her wedding snaps: "We had an absolutely magical day full of sunshine, and we hope everyone enjoyed it as much as we did. We felt so at home around all of our loved ones and the wedding was exactly how we wanted it to be, comfortable, relaxed and like a huge house party in the English countryside... Only in a big white dress!"
What else has Lauren said about her husband Max?
Lauren frequently shares romantic snapshots of the couple on her Instagram page. And if their public displays of affection are anything to go by, the smitten duo appear to be more loved-up than ever. In July, Lauren celebrated ten years of their relationship with a sweet post. "10 years with you by my side," penned the dancer, alongside a carousel of photos taken over the course of their relationship. "The moment we spoke, my world changed forever. Thank you for teaching me what real love is, and thank you for keeping my heart safe."
Lauren often praises her husband on social media, and in June last year, said she "couldn't be prouder" of Max after he finished his five-year degree at The Open University. "This gorgeous husband of mine is always singing my praises, so it's about time I shouted to the world about him @maximontes93 finished & submitted his last assignment for his degree last night," Lauren wrote. "A degree that he's been working towards with @theopenuniversity for 5+ years. Whilst working a full time job, whilst fulfilling passion projects (studying Japanese, looking after our lovely little house, our plants and our fur babies), whilst building a life and finding his feet on the other side of the world with me, whilst still finding time to gym & run & whatever else was the fitness fad of the month… and whilst supporting me through my career too."
© InstagramDo they have children?
It seems that Lauren and Max don't currently have any children and they haven't spoken publicly about their desire to start a family of their own.
© InstagramLauren's dancing career
The Strictly pro first started dancing aged two. She took part in competitions from an early age and was crowned Juvenile Champion at the prestigious Blackpool Dance Festival, winning across both ballroom and Latin disciplines. She went on to become Under 21 British National Champion before going on tour with former Strictly pro Giovanni Pernice. Speaking about Strictly, she said: "I've grown up watching Strictly, always hoping that one day I could be part of the best show on television, doing what I love the most. Now that it's happening, it doesn't quite seem real. I can't wait to start this new sequined adventure and join this incredible family."
© BBC
