Strictly Come Dancing fans have sent their well wishes to Amy Dowden following the news she was rushed to hospital on Saturday evening.
The 34-year-old had just danced with JB Gill during Saturday’s live show, taking on a Foxtrot to Toploader’s Dancin’ in the Moonlight.
It’s been reported that once the cameras stopped rolling, Dowden collapsed backstage and an ambulance had to be called.
An East of England Ambulance Service spokesman told The Sun: “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 team confirmed the news but has reassured fans that the Welsh pro dancer is on the mend.
BBC Strictly: Amy Dowden and JB Gill perform during Halloween Week
BBC
Their statement read: “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 BBC is yet to address the situation publicly. GB News has contacted BBC representatives for comment.
Following the worrying news, Strictly fans have taken to social media and online message boards in their droves to show their support – but the announcement has also led to further concerns among the fandom.
Several fear Dowden may have “pushed herself” too hard after returning to the BBC dance competition just months after being told there was “no evidence of disease” following her cancer treatment.
The 34-year-old was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in May last year and underwent a series of operations and treatments, including a mastectomy – as well as a near-fatal sepsis battle – as she aimed to overcome the illness.
The diagnosis meant Dowden had to pull out of the 2023 series of Strictly as she sought treatment but she rejoined this year’s cast after announcing in February there was no evidence of disease.
In a celebratory Instagram post at the time, Dowden added that she wouldn’t “be getting the all clear for 5 years especially with a hormone-fed cancer” and that she “still needs a monthly injection for five years and regular check-ups”.
She also candidly admitted: “Chemo and this past year has certainly taken its toll on my body both physically and mentally, so I’ll be taking the next few months to heal and recover.”
Less than a year on, Dowden had returned to the Strictly cast but the latest health scare has led to the fandom urging the dancer to remain cautious.
On Reddit, one fan reacted to the news by saying: “This sounds very worrying and something I feared might happen. She hasn’t looked herself for a couple of weeks now and I was concerned she maybe pushed herself to rush back into a partnered role too quickly.
“I really, really hope she’s okay and being looked after. If she needs a week off I suspect that Lauren (Oakley) might have to step in and dance with JB next week? I do feel for him – it’s not been the fun strictly experience he was hoping for I don’t think. Bless him and Amy both.”
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BBC Strictly: Amy Dowden fans fear the star may have returned to work too quickly following her health scare
BBC
Another Redditor echoed the concerns: “I think she maybe came back to strictly too fast… She could’ve been benched but not with a partner. It’s not her fault she felt unwell but I do feel for JB, it must be a stressful situation for him as well.
“I hope she’s okay and well but at the same time I don’t know if it’s the best idea for her to come back dancing the second she feels better now. Maybe they should partner JB with Lauren? Amy needs to rest I think.”
Similar fears were shared over on X, with a third fan typing: “Oh no, I’ve been concerned that she may be pushing herself too hard, it’s only been 12 months since she was having chemo xx.”
And another X user remarked: “My heart breaks for amy, she works so hard and is so dedicated – i bet she was gutted last night not being able to be at the results show with jb. hope she recovers quickly bc strictly for me is nothing with amy #strictly.” (sic)
No announcement has been made on Dowden’s standing in the 2024 series at the time of writing.