Amy Dowden ‘set to return to Strictly Come Dancing’ after being forced to pull out of the competition due to a foot injury

Amy Dowden 'set to return to Strictly Come Dancing' after being forced to pull out of the competition due to a foot injury

In my perspective, Amy’s journey through Strictly has been nothing short of inspiring. Despite the unexpected turn of events that led her to temporarily step back from the competition, she’s maintained an unwavering spirit and a heart full of gratitude. Her bond with JB is palpable, their chemistry on the dancefloor evident in every move they make.


Amy Dowden is said to be making a comeback to Strictly Come Dancing within a short span of time, following her earlier withdrawal from the contest.

34-year-old professional dancer, currently in remission from breast cancer and managing Crohn’s disease, was forced to withdraw from the competition following a ‘foot injury.’ This decision came after an incident where she collapsed backstage last week.

As a devoted fan, I eagerly anticipate my potential comeback to the stage within a few weeks, where I hope to engage in an exhilarating dance number, despite no longer being partnered with JB Gill.

Her spokesperson told The Mirror that she is expected to make a full recovery by then.

Amy is aiming to dance once more on ‘Strictly’ prior to the series finale, as she suffered a distinct injury from the one she experienced last year. It involves the same foot, but a separate bone. Unfortunately, it’s nothing short of terrible misfortune.

Amy Dowden 'set to return to Strictly Come Dancing' after being forced to pull out of the competition due to a foot injury

Amy Dowden 'set to return to Strictly Come Dancing' after being forced to pull out of the competition due to a foot injury
Amy Dowden 'set to return to Strictly Come Dancing' after being forced to pull out of the competition due to a foot injury

During her training session, it was an incident that happened, not anyone’s fault specifically, but it gradually worsened over the following days.

‘With this injury, there is no outward sign, she is ok to walk around, but she can’t wear heels.’

On Monday, Amy expressed on Instagram: “I’m feeling utterly shattered at the moment. Lately, for the first time in a while, I felt like my old self. Cancer wasn’t the first thing on my mind every morning. Now, it’s back in the forefront.

‘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.’

As a devoted follower, I reached our goal alongside an extraordinary team. It was a personal ambition of mine, something I aimed to achieve not only for myself but also for those dear to me. There’s simply no comparison to the exhilaration I felt when I danced once more in the ballroom with my Strictly comrades.

After that, I teamed up with the skillful, compassionate, and soft-spoken individual named JB. Our training sessions were always relaxed, productive, and brimming with wide grins as we crafted things together, fostering a budding camaraderie.

I can’t help but gush, JB! Thank you for being an exceptional dance partner from the get-go. We nailed it on the leaderboard in our very first week and it’s all thanks to your relentless dedication and passion for mastering the intricacies of ballroom and Latin dances.

‘For me that rumba will always be one of my favs. I’m so sad, so upset and asking why me, why now that our journey has been cut short’.

Amy Dowden 'set to return to Strictly Come Dancing' after being forced to pull out of the competition due to a foot injury
Amy Dowden 'set to return to Strictly Come Dancing' after being forced to pull out of the competition due to a foot injury
Amy Dowden 'set to return to Strictly Come Dancing' after being forced to pull out of the competition due to a foot injury

Currently, I’m finding it extremely difficult to withdraw from the contest because of a foot injury. However, I remind myself that hardships are temporary, and I’ll overcome this and return to dance soon. It’s something I’ve learned to accept in my life.

Without a doubt, JB, we’ll dance together again someday. To all our fans, my dear ones, and my Strictly family, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Prior to stating that she anticipated Lauren Oakley, JB’s new partner, would excel on the dance floor and expressed her intention to serve as their most enthusiastic supporter.

JB expressed his sentiments via comments as follows: “It’s heart-wrenching to hear about Amy Dowden, yet our shared memories will live on in ‘Strictly’ history forever. Let us never forget this. Thank you for being an exceptional teacher. Warm regards from the entire Gill family.

‘Things will get better. We’re in this together. I care for you deeply. You laid the foundation; I’ll build upon it and strive to honor our partnership with success, hoping to make you proud XXX’

On the episode of It Takes Two aired on Monday, it was made clear that Amy won’t be appearing in the remainder of this season due to her recovery from an injury.

Sadly, Amy Dowden MBE won’t be continuing in the competition for the remainder of this year, as confirmed by a representative from Strictly Come Dancing.

While Amy is working on her recovery after a foot injury, professional dancer Lauren Oakley will temporarily take Amy’s place as JB’s dancing partner.

Amy Dowden 'set to return to Strictly Come Dancing' after being forced to pull out of the competition due to a foot injury

1) It’s crucial that everybody participating in Strictly stays healthy and happy. The entire Strictly community is sending their love and good wishes to Amy. (Informal)

Last May, at the age of 32, Amy received devastating news that she had been diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer.

During the filming of the BBC show “Dare To Dance”, she expressed that she felt uneasy about something. The day prior to embarking on a second honeymoon with her husband, Benjamin, she discovered a lump in her breast.

Towards the end of that year, she received another cancer diagnosis, this time of an undetermined variety, followed by a round of chemotherapy treatments.

Amy returned to hospital in August 2024 for more tests where, finally, she was given the all-clear.

A year after the controversy, the heads of BBC expressed joy upon Amy’s ability to rejoin the program post-cancer treatment, where she was teamed up with JB.

During our recent live Halloween broadcast a month ago, she was taken to the hospital due to a reported incident at Elstree Studios, where the BBC program is based. This occurred following a sudden health emergency backstage.

Just prior to her sudden trip to the hospital, Amy gracefully danced the Foxtrot to the popular song “Dancing in the Moonlight” by Toploader alongside her famous partner JB. However, viewers pointed out that Amy was only partially standing during her recent dance routine.

Amy Dowden 'set to return to Strictly Come Dancing' after being forced to pull out of the competition due to a foot injury

On last Sunday’s episode of Strictly, viewers saw JB and his stand-in partner, Lauren, dodge the elimination round and advance to another week in the competition.

In a breathtaking display, the singer and Lauren reached the pinnacle of the rankings alongside each other following their captivating duet in the “Couples’ Choice” segment. Their performance was set to a medley by Bruno Mars, earning them an astonishingly high score of 39 out of 40 points, just one point shy of perfection.

As they made it through another week, JB affectionately honored Amy with a touching gesture during his speech to the camera, mouthing “For you, Amy,” as he dedicated the show to the talented Welsh dancer.

Amy wept profusely as she observed JB and their substitute, Lauren, receiving an almost flawless score for their performance.

She expressed her gratitude towards both Lauren and J, saying, “I’m incredibly thankful to you, Lauren. Thanks a bunch, Lauren, and the same goes for you, J. You two are simply fantastic. It’s just too bad I couldn’t be there with you.

Just prior to JB and choreographer Lauren stepping onto the dance floor, Amy posted an emotional message of encouragement for them on social media.

Speaking directly to her dance partner, Amy said: “JB, it speaks volumes about you that you’ve managed to adjust to a new professional and create such an impressive output (I can hardly wait for everyone to see) while backing me up! I feel so fortunate! You’re truly shining! I know how significant tonight is for you! Thank you!

Additionally, she offered warm compliments towards Lauren when she took over momentarily for her during the program, expressing enthusiastically: “Thank you so much! I was confident that Jay would be well taken care of and would enjoy himself immensely with you!

Ever since I excitedly approached you in the Blackpool Tower when we were both eight, I’ve been a big fan of your dancing. Thanks for being wonderful!

Amy Dowden 'set to return to Strictly Come Dancing' after being forced to pull out of the competition due to a foot injury
Amy Dowden 'set to return to Strictly Come Dancing' after being forced to pull out of the competition due to a foot injury

At the end of her heartfelt note, Amy acknowledged the Strictly dance team for their ‘outstanding performance’, and expressed her appreciation for the encouragement she’s received from her fans.

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming love and encouragement I’ve received during the last week. It has truly touched me, and I feel incredibly thankful because it has made a significant difference. Now, I invite you all to join me as we kick off the very first ICONS week on Strictly! Enjoy the show!

Later on, JB penned down his own sincere sentiments, saying: ‘You shine brightly! Your faith in me is incredibly inspiring, and your tenacity is truly remarkable!’

‘Thank you for being my biggest champion and I know that @laurenmayoakley and I will do you PROUD.’

On last week’s episode of It Takes Two, Janette Manrara inquired about Amy by saying, “Let me begin with you, Amy, how are things going for you?

The skilled dancer responded: “Absolutely, I’m doing great now. I want to express my gratitude to everyone for their kindness and encouragement, and of course, to my fellow Strictly cast members.

Towards the end of our broadcast, she remarked on how this week has unfolded: “I am incredibly proud and deeply thankful to Lauren. They have put in such an immense effort, and JB has been a wonderful source of support for me throughout. He’s been focused and dedicated, and both of them have kept me updated all week.

In the course of the interview, Lauren shared that they maintain a WhatsApp group among the three of them, with herself and JB frequently sharing videos with Amy to ensure she stays informed.

Amy added: ‘I labeled our group as “Team” with a star symbol. We exchange videos and messages daily.’

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2024-11-05 19:25

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