BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Amy Dowden reveals devastating double blow after exit

Strictly Come Dancing professional Amy Dowden has been dealt a devastating double blow after announcing her exit from the BBC dance contest. The pro dancer, 34, has been forced to withdraw from the competition after sustaining a foot injury.

This means that her celebrity partner JB Gill, 37, will now continue in the competition alongside Amy's fellow pro dancer Lauren Oakley. Amy, returned to competing in the BBC show for its 20th anniversary series after missing out last year while undergoing cancer treatment.

The Welsh dancer has since said that she is 'heartbroken' after having to pull out, and has now revealed a second reason why missing the live show this Saturday (November 9) will be extremely difficult.

READ MORE: Strictly's Amy Dowden comforted by Janette Manrara as she 'stresses' real reason for exit

Amy revealed that watching Saturday’s show from the side-lines will be 'tough' as she wanted to celebrate one year since finishing chemotherapy on the dancefloor.

Appearing on ITV’s Lorraine on Thursday (November 7), Amy said: "On Saturday, 9 November, it's a year since I rang the chemo bell and I just had this Samba, the joyful carnival happy dance. The way I'd planned this series, JB has got the most natural body rhythm.

"Saturday is going to be tough because I really wanted to be dancing on that floor to show myself how far I’ve had come in one year.”

Despite this blow, Amy - who was declared cancer-free earlier this year - said she is "proud" that she managed to get there in the first place.

She said: "When I got my diagnosis, that was the absolute goal of mine. I'm so proud that I did get there. I’m hoping to dance by the end of series and obviously next year, I got my tour with Carlos – Reborn. I’m determined.

“I’ve had a lot of setbacks in my life, since 11 years old, I’m used to having to pick myself back up and saying ‘Don’t get bitter, get better’, I tell myself and ‘This too shall pass’. And right now, I’m heartbroken, but I know I’ll feel better.”

Amy also admitted to Lorraine that she feels as if she has 'let JB Gill down' with her exit. She said: "I'm heartbroken. I'm doing my best not to cry. I know lots of people say it's just an entertainment show but I'm gutted that it's ended this way. I feel I've let JB down. And after those words 'You've got cancer...'"