Amy Dowden has been forced to quit Strictly Come Dancing 2024 (Image: BBC)

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

by · Daily Record

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Strictly Come Dancing professional Amy Dowden has had to bow out from the rest of this year's series due to health reasons, resulting in JLS star JB Gill being partnered with a new dancer for the competition.

Amy, the 34-year-old dancer from Wales, was sadly unable to take part in the 2023 competition as she valiantly fought breast cancer. Fortunately, after enduring a gruelling treatment regimen, Amy revealed earlier in the year that there were no longer any signs of the illness as per her doctors' reports.

She made a triumphant return to the Strictly dance floor this season after receiving the green light from her medical team.

Paired up with the talented JB from JLS, Amy initially had a solid run on the show until an unfortunate incident where she was hospitalised after 'collapsing' post-performance led to complications.

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

A positive update has since emerged as sources confirmed Amy is "feeling much better". In the meantime, another Strictly pro, Lauren Oakley, age 33, temporarily filled Amy's dancing shoes, partnering with JB on the most recent Saturday live show, reports the Express.

It has been officially announced that upon doctor's advice, Amy will not make a comeback for the remaining part of the series.

A spokes representative for Strictly confirmed: "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.

"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 pro Lauren Oakley has stepped in for Amy Dowden (Image: (Image: BBC))

The news was also revealed on Monday's episode of It Takes Two, the companion show to Strictly. On Saturday night's Strictly, JB secured his spot in the next episode after wowing the judges and home audience with his Couple's Choice performance alongside pro Lauren, earning an impressive 39 out of 40.

Fans of the BBC competition are enamoured with the pair, and JB dedicated the dance to Amy, saying: "For you, Amy."

Amy later expressed her gratitude to Lauren for stepping in at short notice, saying: "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.

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