Topics: Strictly Come Dancing, Amy Dowden, TV And Film, Cancer, BBC, Health, UK News
Strictly Come Dancing bosses have today issued health update on professional dancer Amy Dowden, who was rushed to hospital following Saturday night's live performance.
The Welsh-born professional dancer, 34, returned to the BBC series this year - where she is partnered up with JLS star JB Gill - after battling cancer.
Following a 'medical emergency' backstage on Saturday night's Halloween episode, 34-year-old Dowden was transported in an ambulance from the television studio to a nearby hospital.
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It is understood that the star became unwell in the minutes after she and musician Gill performed a spooky Foxtrot to Toploader's 'Dancing In The Moonlight' and bagged an impressive score of 32.
A representative for Dowden 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 also confirmed in a statement: "We were called just after 9pm on Saturday to attend a medical emergency at Elstree Studios in Borehamwood.
"An ambulance was sent to the scene. One patient, an adult female, was transported to Barnet Hospital for further care."
Now, however, a spokesperson for the celebrity dance competition has issued an official statement, revealing that, though Amy is once again on the road to recovery, she won't be performing next Saturday night.
"Amy Dowden MBE is doing much better and the Strictly family send her love and wish her well," the message began.
"She is delighted that fellow Professional Dancer, Lauren Oakley, is able to step in for rehearsals and to perform in Saturday’s show for JB Gill’s Couple’s Choice dance.
"We are all hopeful that Amy will be back to dance with JB next week."
Downden previously took a year away from Strictly after being diagnosed with three breast cancer in May 2023.
Thankfully, however, following a mastectomy, she was later informed that her cancer is in remission.
And back in September - ahead of the 2024 instalment - she revealed that doctors had found 'no evidence' of the remaining disease.
Speaking to press recently, Dowden claimed that the support of fans of the show encouraged her to hang on in there - even during her darkest days.
"I get so many messages about my smile," she said. "I do always look back and think, ‘Gosh, this time last year I was having chemo, this time last year I was in hospital with a blood clot’.
"What a difference a year can make. I get messages every day from people saying, ‘I’m going through chemo and you’re my hope’, or, ‘Because of you I’ve checked myself and I found a lump’, or something like this.
"I’m just grateful to be back and be in the position I am."
