Amy Dowden 'returns' to Strictly after her collapse backstage

Nikki Onafuye
·3-min read

Amy Dowden won't be joining the competition this week after collapsing backstage last Saturday and being rushed to hospital, but the professional dancer was in the studio to support his partner JB Gill. Stepping in for Amy, Lauren Oakley joined JB as his new dance partner. The duo danced to a Bruno Mars medley. While talking to Claudia in tonight’s episode, Amy made an appearance, supporting JB and Lauren.

When asked by Claudia how they managed this week working as a trio, Amy said: “It’s been a real dream team to the point where Lauren put in our chat, ‘J, do you want a coffee?’ which I replied, ‘yes, he’ll have a Vanilla Latte,’” as they burst into laughter. Just hours ahead of the show, Amy also sent her well-wishes to her partner JB saying she'll be his biggest cheerleader.

JB, Amy and Lauren
Amy was not able to perform this week -Credit:BBC

Amy took to social media to write: "Wishing these two the absolute best of luck tonight! I'm going to be your biggest cheerleader!”

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Addressing JB directly, Amy added: "JB it says everything how you've been able to adapt to a new professional, produce such a great number ( so excited for everyone to see) whilst supporting me! I'm so lucky! You're a STAR! I know what tonight means to you! Thank you!"

JB and Lauren dancing
JB and Lauren wowed the judges -Credit:PA
JB and Lauren dancing
JB and Lauren said they "did it for Amy" -Credit:PA

Amy also thanked Lauren, who is stepping in for her, saying: "Thank you, I knew Jay would be in safe hands and have a fabulous time with you! You know I've always adored your dancing since I ran up to you in Blackpool tower at 8 years old to tell you! Thank you darling!”

"Also a big thank you for all the love and support I've received this past week. So grateful and certainly helped! Now tune into the first ever ICONS week on strictly!” and thanked everyone for their love and support during her recent health scare.

Strictly’s JB Gill shares behind the scenes look at training with Amy Dowden before she collapsed
Strictly’s JB Gill shared behind the scenes look at training with Amy Dowden before she collapsed -Credit:Instagram/jbgill

On It Takes Two with Janette Manrara, Lauren and JB, Amy opened up about her health scare. She was taken from Elstree Studios, the BBC One show's production centre, to Barnet Hospital as a precautionary measure.

This season, Amy made a triumphant return to the show post-treatment for breast cancer, which included a mastectomy followed by chemotherapy. On Sunday night's pre-recorded Results Show, JB was left to take the stage solo, yet he and Dowden managed to dodge landing in the bottom two after their charming foxtrot to Dancing In The Moonlight by Toploader.

JB and Amy dancing
JB addressed Amy's exit from this week's show earlier this week -Credit:BBC

Amy’s spokesman released a statement on Sunday explaining: "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."