Amy Dowden joined BBC’s Strictly Come Dancingin 2017 and has been capturing fans’ hearts with her graceful moves since then. The professional dancer briefly took a break from performing last year after being diagnosed with cancer. She returned this year, partnered with JLS singer JB Gill, and her performances have been loved by both the judges and audiences.
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Earlier this year, in February, Amy confirmed she was cancer-free yet not out of danger completely. After months of healing, she made a triumphant return to Strictly this season. However, things have not been as glittering as the glitterball trophy she was aiming to win... In fact, it has been revealed that Dowden's journey in Strictly 2024 is officially over.
Here's everything that led to her shocking exit.
Amy Dowden was rushed to hospital after collapsing backstage
Following her Halloween performance with JB Gill, Dowden—who also suffers from Crohn’s disease—began to feel unwell and collapsed backstage. The incident occurred shortly after the live show, meaning she was unable to participate in Sunday’s results show.
It is understood that Dowden started feeling ill minutes after she completed her Halloween special dance routine with JB. By 9pm an ambulance was called for her and at 9.50pm the fire service was contacted for assistance.
After the tragic incident, a spokesperson for Amy said:
Amy was feeling unwell and so an ambulance was called as a precaution. She is feeling much better and would like to thank the Strictly family for their love and concern. We request Amy's privacy in matters of health is kindly respected.
The East of England Ambulance Service confirmed they were called at Elstree Studios in Borehamwood to take a female patient to Barnet Hospital. Assistant Chief Fire Officer Mark Barber also confirmed that Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service assisted in transferring a female patient from the studio to the hospital.
Concerns that Amy Dowden may quit Strictly 2024
Despite her positive recovery updates, there were concerns that Dowden may be forced to quit Strictly for health reasons. A source claimed:
Amy was obviously in huge distress. Everyone around her was equally upset because they felt so helpless.
JB had to be given a hug. Even the medic who first attended to Amy needed support and consolation. The only thing they could do was try to get her to the hospital as quickly and safely as possible.
According to reports by The Sun, the show bosses had ‘contingency’ plans in place. BBC also released a statement confirming:
We have contingencies in place for all eventualities.
Amy Dowden has left Strictly due to foot injury
After a few days, it was confirmed that the 34-year-old has to quit the show after a serious foot injury.
Amy Dowden has now become the first ever pro dancer to quit the series in between. Before her, no pro dancer has ever had to leave Strictly in the middle of a series in its 20 years.
A Strictly spokesperson confirmed the news on the spin-off show Strictly It Takes Two on BBC Two on Monday (November 4). They said:
Sadly, Amy Dowden MBE will not be partaking in the rest of the competition this year.
After the announcement, Amy took to her Instagram and shared that she's devastated to be out of the competition. Sharing how after her cancer battle getting back to dancing was one of her biggest achievements, she said:
There was no feeling like it dancing again in the ballroom with my Strictly family.
Adding:
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...
JB replied to her post, saying 'our moments will forever be in Strictly history.'
Will JB Gill continue on Strictly without Amy Dowden?
It was previously claimed that that JB may choose not to continue without Amy. An insider said:
They are incredibly close. She has helped him remain in the top band of the scoreboard since this series started.
However, he always had a choice to move forward with a new partner and looks like he is taking that option.
Fellow pro Lauren Oakley practiced with JB for their Saturday, November 2 performance as Dowden took some rest after her hospital dash. After announcing Amy has quit the show, a spokesperson then confirmed that JB will be continuing with Lauren for rest of the show. The spokesperson said:
While 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.
Dowden has also given the two her blessings to move forward as she mentioned in her post that she was certain JB and Lauren will 'ace the dance floor' and she will be their biggest cheerleader.
Read more:
Chris McCausland opens up about the struggles of being on Strictly: ‘It's mentally draining’
Sources used:
Daily Mail: Amy Dowden health update issued after the Strictly Come Dancing professional was rushed to hospital
The Sun: Strictly star Amy Dowden could be forced to quit show after dramatically collapsing backstage during filming
The Guardian: Injury forces dancer Amy Dowden to leave this year’s Strictly
