Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden has told of her heartache at being forced to leave the show she fought to get back to. The dancer will not be returning to the popular competition after a “foot injury” left her unable to compete.
The 34-year-old had only returned to the show this series after a cancer battle. She also suffers from Crohn’s Disease.
Posting on Instagram she told of her devastation at having to leave. And she thanked her “perfect partner” JB Gill telling him she knows he will “continue to ace the dance floor”.
She 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. It’s been such a challenge to get back, one I devoted 2024 to, 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. Everyday 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. 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 all too well ‘this too shall pass’ and I’ll be soon better and back dancing. Something I’ve had to get used to in my life. I’m sure at some point we’ll dance again JB. To all the fans, to my loved ones, my Strictly family thank you.”
She followed her words with a string of heart emojis then signing off said: “JB I know you and Lauren will continue to ace that dance floor and I’ll forever be your biggest cheerleader.”
Her former partner JB turned to the comments to write his own tribute to the dancer. He wrote: “Heartbreaking news @amy_dowden but our moments will be forever in Strictly history, never forget that. Thank you for being the best teacher. Nothing but love from all of the Gill family.”
Welsh dancer Amy, who joined Strictly in 2017, was just 19 when she was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease which affects her digestive system leaving her suffering pain and sickness. Then in May last year she was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer at the age of 32.
Later that year she was diagnosed with a second form of cancer but then in August this year she was given the all clear. She was delighted to be able to return to her Strictly show but it has been beset by health issues.
During the live Halloween special she was taken to hospital following a reported collapse at Estree Studios in Hertfordshire. On Sunday JB and his temporary partner Lauren Oakley avoided the dance off to get through the week dancing to a Bruno Mars Medley, scoring a near-perfect 39 out of 40.
Then on Monday BBC bosses confirmed she would not be returning. In a statement a Strictly spokesperson said: “Sadly, Amy Dowden MBE will not be partaking in the rest of the competition this year.
“Whilst Amy focuses on her recovery following a foot injury, fellow professional dancer, Lauren Oakley, will step in as JB’s dance partner.
“The health and wellbeing of everyone involved in Strictly are always the utmost priority. The whole Strictly family sends Amy love and well wishes.”