Amy Dowden asks 'Why me, why now' as she's forced to quit Strictly Come Dancing
Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden has revealed that her “heart is breaking” after it was confirmed that she will take no further part in the remainder of this year’s competition. It was confirmed on Monday evening that Dowden has had to withdraw from the final weeks of the hit BBC show due to medical advice.
The 34-year-old Welsh professional was absent from the 2023 series as she bravely fought breast cancer. Earlier this year, the good news came through that following intense treatments, doctors reported no further traces of the illness for Dowden. For the latest TV & Showbiz news, sign up to our newsletter.
However, she required hospitalisation following one episode after she collapsed. Thankfully, she’s been reported as “feeling much better” but despite improvements, Lauren Oakley, another pro-dancer aged 33, filled in to perform with JB recently. Now, it has been officially decided that Amy will not make a return to the dance competition this year.
READ MORE:Wynne Evans leaves Strictly Come Dancing fans divided as he issues demand
READ MORE:BBC Strictly star Amy Dowden's show future confirmed as replacement unveiled
'We will dance again JB'
Posting an update on her Instagram page, Dowden said: “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. 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.
"There was no feeling like it dancing again in the ballroom with my Strictly family. Then I partnered with the talented, kind, gentle soul JB. Every day our training room was chilled, hardworking and full of big smiles enjoying what we were creating together with a blossoming friendship. JB - thank you for being the perfect partner. We topped the leaderboard 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 faves.
"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 life. I’m sure at some point we will dance again JB. To all the fans, to my loved one, my Strictly family, thank you. JB - I know you and Lauren will continue to ace that dance floor. I’ll forever be your biggest cheerleader.”
A Strictly representative confirmed on Monday evening: “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.”
Keep up to date with what's on where you live
