Amy Dowden determined to dance again despite being heartbroken over Strictly Come Dancing exit

Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Amy Dowden has shared her disappointment over the fact she has been forced to drop out of the 2024 contest due to an injury

Amy Dowden has vowed to dance again after being forced to quit the current season of Strictly Come Dancing.

The 34-year-old Welsh professional dancer was forced to miss the 2023 contest as she was battling breast cancer. Earlier this year, Amy shared her relief when doctors told her that they could no longer find evidence of the disease after she had undergone months of brutal treatments.

She was then given the all clear to return to Strictly Come Dancing for the 2024 season - where she was partnered with JLS singer JB Gill. But last month, fans were devastated to learn that Amy had suffered a medical emergency behind-the-scenes of the show and was rushed to hospital.

Over the past weekend, fellow professional dancer Lauren Oakley, 33, stepped in for Amy to dance with 37-year-old JB. But on Monday night, fans learned that Amy would not be returning to the contest as she had been given medical advice not to continue with the show.

Breaking her silence after the shock news, Amy wrote in an emotional social media post: “My heart is breaking right now. The past few months I finally felt like me again. Cancer was no longer the first thing I thought of when I woke up. It was choreography, music choices, which dances in which order, what we needed to work on. I felt free again.”

She continued: “My goal since hearing those words you have cancer was to get back on the Strictly dance floor. It’s been such a challenge to get back, one I devoted 2024 to. Which with my incredible team we got there. Something I wanted to do for myself and loved ones. There was no feeling like it dancing again in the ballroom with my Strictly family.

“Then I was partnered with the talented, kind, gentle soul JB. Every day our training room was chilled, hardworking and full of big smiles enjoying what we was creating together with a blossoming friendship. JB thank you for being the perfect partner back. We topped the leader board week one and continued to work so hard and thank you for being so passionate about understanding the ballroom and Latin fundamentals. For me, that rumba will always be one of my favs.”

Addressing her heartbreak, Amy went on: “I’m so sad, so upset and asking why me, why now that our journey has been cut short. My heart right now is breaking having to pull out of the competition due to a foot injury and I know only too well, ’This too shall pass’ and I’ll be soon better and back dancing. Something I’ve had to get used to in my life. I’m sure at some point we will dance again JB. To all the fans, to my loved ones, my Strictly family thank you.”

Passing her baton to Lauren, who will continue to dance with the JLS singer in her absence, Amy concluded: “JB I know you and Lauren will continue to ace that dance floor. I’ll forever be your biggest cheerleader.”

Amy's departure from the 2024 contest was announced on Strictly companion show It Takes Two on Monday night and a spokesperson for Strictly said that Amy will be focusing on "her recovery following a foot injury". They added that her colleagues are sending well wishes.

A Strictly spokesperson said: "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."

Viewers watching Strictly on Saturday night, saw JB glide through to the next round as he and Lauren performed their Couple's Choice. The Everybody In Love singer paid tribute to Amy as she was forced to miss out on performing, dedicating the dance to her and declaring "For you, Amy," after wowing judges. Amy herself thanked Lauren for filling in her shoes at the last moment, 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." It remains unclear if Amy will recover in time to dance again this weekend or if Lauren will continue to take her place while she recovers.

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