Strictly star Amy Dowden ruled out of show after dancer is rushed to hospital following backstage 'medical emergency'

28 October 2024, 18:19 | Updated: 28 October 2024, 18:26

Amy Dowden
Amy Dowden. Picture: Getty

By Christian Oliver

Strictly star Amy Dowden has been forced to step back from the show after the ballroom star collapsed during Saturday night's live show.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

The Welsh dancer, who has Crohn's Disease and was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023, was "doing much better" but will not be able to compete alongside her partner JB Gill this week.

She will be replaced by Lauren Oakley during this week's training and Saturday and Sunday's shows. Strictly bosses will then take a view on Dowden's condition, The Sun reported.

A Strictly Come Dancing Spokesperson said: "Amy Dowden MBE is doing much better and the Strictly family send her love and wish her well.

"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."

Amy Dowden
Amy Dowden. Picture: Getty

During Saturday night's medical emergency, the fire service and ambulance were called to Elstree Studios where they used specialist equipment to help her into the ambulance and keep her completely flat.

A spokesperson for the East of England Ambulance Service said: "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."

Dowden's spokesperson told MailOnline following the emergency: "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."

Amy Dowden
Amy Dowden. Picture: Getty

Earlier on Saturday, Dowden had performed with her celebrity partner Gill. They rose to fifth on the leaderboard after the performance.

Her mother Gillian Dowden, 65, has also confirmed that she is doing well after being rushed to hospital.

Speaking at Amy's family home in Caerphilly, South Wales, the mother told MailOnline: "We have talked today on the telephone and she is doing well."

The Welsh dancer is said to be in remission from breast cancer after being diagnosed in May last year. She returned to Strictly after a two-year absence.

Amy Dowden in September
Amy Dowden in September. Picture: Getty

Dowden announced in February that she would return to the show this year, after a mastectomy and chemotherapy left her with “no evidence of disease” following tests.

Following her comeback, she said she was "so happy [she] could burst."

Dowden was originally diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2023, after finding a lump the day before her honeymoon.

Amy Dowden with celebrity dance partner JB Gill of JLS
Amy Dowden with celebrity dance partner JB Gill of JLS. Picture: Alamy

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Australian breaker Rachael Gunn, also known as Raygun, during the B-Girls Round Robin breaking competition at La Concorde Urban Park in Paris,Credit: Australian Associated Press/Alamy Live News

Raygun quits competitive breakdancing after 'kangaroo' dance mocked at Paris Olympics

Keir Starmer has offered his 'hearty congratulations' to Donald Trump - but is facing pressure to apologise over past comments made by David Lammy

Starmer offers 'hearty congratulations' to Trump, but faces pressure over Lammy's past criticisms of president

Kamala Harris has conceded defeat to Donald Trump

'I concede the election but not the fight': Harris urges supporters not to despair despite defeat to Trump

Donald Trump speaks at his election night watch party, Wednesday

What does Trump's victory mean for war in the Middle East and in Ukraine?

Amy Dowden and former dance partner JB Gill

Amy Dowden gives health update after announcing she is dropping out of Strictly in 'heartbreaking' statement

Mpox only spreads between people who are in close proximity to each other.

Another case of new more infectious mpox strain detected in UK, bringing total to four

Kamala Harris spoke with Donald Trump to congratulate him on his victory

Kamala Harris calls Trump to concede defeat and urges him to govern for all Americans as president

Exclusive
FILE - Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump, right, and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy shake hands during their meeting at Trump Tower, on Sept. 27, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson, File)

Trump 'is serious about ending Ukraine war', says former national security adviser as he blames Biden for the conflict

Suzy Lamplugh disappeared in 1986, with John Cannan the prime suspect

Prime suspect in disappearance of Suzy Lamplugh dies in prison 40 years after estate agent went missing

Queen Camilla will return to her royal duties next week.

Palace gives update on Camilla's return to work after Queen falls ill

Catherine Warrilow spoke out over her issue with Ryanair

Shock as Ryanair force passenger to pay over £100 for carry-on case - even though it fit in the checker

File photo of migrants being rescued in the Channel

Over 50 migrants rescued in English Channel, as 'several bodies' also pulled from the sea

JK Rowling funds a women-only rape crisis centre in Edinburgh

£70,000 payout for woman at centre of rape centre's 'trans heresy hunt'

Ukraine says forces clashed with North Korean troops for first time

Ukraine says forces clashed with North Korean troops for first time

John Swinney says he will press the new US government not to reintroduce tariffs on Scotch whisky.

Fears for Scottish whisky jobs with Trump election

Kamala Harris set to give concession speech hours after supporters are told to leave watch party amid Trump victory

Kamala Harris set to give concession speech hours after supporters are told to leave watch party amid Trump victory