Strictly Come Dancing's Amy Dowden(Image: BBC)

Strictly Come Dancing's Amy Dowden forced to quit show as replacement confirmed

by · DevonLive

Strictly Come Dancing's Amy Dowden has had to withdraw from the remainder of this year's competition, with her celebrity dance partner being assigned a new professional.

The 34-year-old Welsh dancer was unable to participate in the 2023 series as she courageously fought against breast cancer. Earlier in the year, Amy shared the uplifting news that she was free of the disease after undergoing several gruelling treatments.

It appeared that Amy's fortunes were turning as she received medical approval to make a comeback to the Strictly dance floor for the ongoing series, reports the Express.

Initially paired with JLS sensation JB Gill, Amy had experienced a hopeful beginning in the contest. However, following a live show performance, she suffered a serious health scare resulting in hospitalisation due to a 'collapse.'

Amy Dowden has been advised to 'focus on her recovery' following an injury(Image: BBC)

Thankfully, recent updates have revealed Amy is now "feeling much better", but in her absence, professional dancer Lauren Oakley, aged 33, filled in admirably, dancing alongside JB on the Saturday night show. It has been formally announced that, on doctors' advice, Amy will not be making a return to this season of Strictly.

A spokesperson for Strictly confirmed to Reach: "Sadly, Amy Dowden MBE will not be partaking in the rest of the competition this year. Whilst Amy focuses on her recovery following a foot injury, fellow professional dancer Lauren Oakley will step in as JB's dance partner."

Adding to this, they emphasised: "The health and wellbeing of everyone involved in Strictly are always the utmost priority. The whole Strictly family sends Amy love and well wishes."

Strictly Come Dancing's Amy Dowden will not perform for the rest of the show(Image: (Image: BBC))

The announcement was also shared on Monday's edition of the Strictly spin-off programme, It Takes Two. Strictly enthusiasts who tuned in on Saturday witnessed JB securing his spot for the upcoming week after wowing both the judges and viewers at home with his Couple's Choice performance alongside professional dancer Lauren.

Together they racked up a stellar 39 out of a possible 40 points, and the duo has undoubtedly become a favourite among BBC contest devotees.

In a heartfelt moment, JB dedicated the routine to Amy, affirming: "For you, Amy." Subsequently, Amy expressed her gratitude towards her colleague Lauren for her last-minute involvement by stating: "I am so grateful to you Lauren. Thank you Lauren, thank you J, you too are just amazing. I just wish I was there with you."

Strictly: It Takes Two airs weeknights on BBC Two at 6.30pm and Strictly Come Dancing airs Saturdays and Sundays on BBC One