STRICTLY fans first spotted Amy Dowden’s injury on the BBC show last year.
It was announced today that the 34-year-old Welsh dancer will not be returning to the dancefloor for the rest of the series after collapsing backstage during Halloween Week.
Lauren Oakley, who replaced her last week, will now perform with JB Gill permanently going forward in the competition.
Some fans noticed that Amy’s foot injury could become a problem when she appeared on Strictly’s 2023 final for the group dance.
One fan pointed out the moment: “She broke it last year just as she finished her chemo. When they did the group dance in the final and she joined in at the start of it, she had a walking boot on. That’s why she danced pretty much on the spot. I’m absolutely devastated for her.”
A second said: “I knew Amy’s foot injury would be an issue, I broke my foot years ago and I still suffer with the pain.”
A third commented: “Amy looked like she was in pain when she took part on the group dance last year, maybe she should have rested a bit longer.”
The news was confirmed by Fleur East on today’s episode of It Takes Two, with an official statement being posted on Strictly’s socials shortly afterwards.
Moments later, Amy made a statement of her own, praising the show, her journey to get back to the series after her cancer diagnosis, and her hopes for JB and Lauren going forward.
Posting an emotional statement on Instagram, Amy wrote: “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,” she continued.
“It’s been such a challenge to get back, one I devoted 2024 too. Which with my incredible team we got there. Something I wanted to do for myself and loved ones.
“There was no feeling like it dancing again in the ballroom with my Strictly family.”
“Then I was partnered with the talented,kind, gentle soul JB,” she added of her partner.
“Every day our training room was chilled, hardworking and full of big smiles enjoying what we was creating together with a blossoming friendship.”
“JB thank you for being the perfect partner back,” she added. “We topped the leader board 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 favs. 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,” she said.
“Something I’ve had to get used to in my life.”
“I’m sure at some point we will dance again JB To all the fans, to my loved ones, my strictly family thank you.”
Ending the message, she added: “JB I know you and Lauren will continue to ace that dance floor I’ll forever be your biggest cheerleader.”
Strictly Amy's cancer 'nightmare'
The Sun's Jamie Downham takes a look at the beloved Strictly star's ups and downs...
AS Strictly Come Dancing viewers know, you’ll struggle to catch Amy Dowden without a huge smile on her face.
But recently the Welsh star – one the best-rated Ballroom and Latin American professional dancers the UK has ever produced – has suffered a string of “nightmare” blows to her health.
She was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in May last year and underwent a full mastectomy, before having chemotherapy towards the end of 2023.
However, she later reported docs had found a clot on her lung, telling fans sadly: “Unfortunately I’ve had another nightmare this week.”
Nonetheless, brave Amy, seen here dancing with James Bye, made an epic return to Strictly the following month with an appearance that left many viewers in floods tears.
As 2024 dawned, she admitted: “I feel I was robbed of the year I had planned and reflecting for me makes me upset and angry.”
However, she was soon smiling again. Amy, her hair starting to grow back after her cancer treatment, was seen messing around with her co-stars Dianne Buswell and Vito Coppola on the Strictly tour earlier this month.
And despite another spell in hospital in February, she still mustered a cheeriness many would struggle for, telling fans: “The sun is shining – and I certainly can’t wait for Spring.”
And we certainly can’t wait to see you dancing again, Amy…
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