Amy Dowden, the talented dancer from Strictly Come Dancing, will not be returning to the competition this year, according to a spokesperson. Dowden recently experienced health issues and was hospitalized as a precaution after feeling unwell during the live show two Saturdays ago.
Taking to Instagram, Dowden expressed her heartbreak over having to withdraw from the series due to a foot injury. Professional dancer Lauren Oakley will step in to partner with JLS singer JB Gill in Dowden’s absence.
A spokesperson for Strictly confirmed that Dowden is prioritizing her recovery and will not be participating further in this season. "The entire Strictly family sends Amy love and well wishes," they added.
Last Saturday, Oakley performed alongside Gill, earning an impressive 39 points for their Bruno Mars medley, tying them for the top spot on the leaderboard with former Love Island star Tasha Ghouri and her partner Aljaz Skorjanec.
Dowden had returned to the show this year after missing the previous season due to her breast cancer diagnosis. Just two Saturdays ago, an ambulance was called to Elstree Studios when she began feeling unwell, but she was reported to be "feeling much better" shortly thereafter.
However, the spokesperson later announced, “Sadly, Amy Dowden MBE will not be partaking in the rest of the competition this year. While Amy focuses on her recovery following a foot injury, fellow professional dancer Lauren Oakley will step in as JB’s dance partner.” The spokesperson emphasized that the health and well-being of everyone involved in the show is always the top priority.
In her emotional Instagram post, Dowden reflected on her journey, saying, “My heart is breaking right now. For the past few months, I finally felt like myself again. Cancer was no longer the first thing I thought of when I woke up; it was choreography, music choices, and what dances to work on. I felt free again.”
She expressed her desire to return to the Strictly dance floor, noting the immense challenge of her recovery and her dedication to making it back in 2024. Dowden thanked her partner JB, lamenting the abrupt end to their journey together.
JB Gill responded, saying their moments will "forever be in Strictly history," while Oakley pledged to honor their partnership in her performances. Judge Motsi Mabuse also acknowledged Dowden's strength and courage, calling her an inspiration.
Diagnosed with stage three breast cancer at 32 in May 2023, Dowden faced additional challenges later that year, but was given the all-clear after further tests in August 2024. She also lives with Crohn's disease, a condition that affects her digestive health.
Lauren Oakley, who joined Strictly in 2022, will be stepping in for Dowden this season. Last year, Oakley was partnered with Channel 4 News presenter Krishnan Guru-Murthy, finishing in eighth place.
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