Strictly Come Dancing’s Amy Dowden has issued an update to her fans following her “heartbreaking” departure from the BBC show. The 34-year-old pro dancer had to take a year off due to her health struggles with cancer and Crohn’s disease, yet she made a much-anticipated comeback this season.
However, in a recent turn of events, the Caerphilly-born star was left devastated at having to withdraw from the competition after suffering a leg injury, which means that her celebrity partner, JLS’ JB Gill, will now be dancing with fellow professional Lauren Oakley. The setback left the dancer feeling “heartbroken” but she has since revealed some uplifting news on Instagram to her followers, reports the Express.
Overwhelmed with joy, she said: “(I’ve) come home to some pretty awesome mail that has put the biggest smile on my face and cheered me up massively.
“And that is that I got my date to go to the palace to get my MBE. It still doesn’t feel real, but yeah, I got my date so now I need to plan my outfit and I’ve told who I’m taking with me.
“But mostly it’s something to look forward to after what’s been – and I’m not going to lie – a rubbish two weeks. But I know only too well that this too shall pass and this has already made me feel a little bit better. So, I’ve put that date in my diary – I’m going to the palace! I’m so excited.”
The performer took the opportunity to express her gratitude to her fans for their heartfelt messages, while also showing her support for her partner JB and Lauren for the remainder of the series. She added: “I just wanted to say the biggest thank you to everybody for all the messages of love and support and everything that I’ve received over the last few days.
“A big thanks to my friends and my family who have just been incredible. Obviously, I’m still processing it and I’m still gutted but I’ll be cheering JB and Lauren and everybody on, championing them all in this wonderful, magical journey.
“Thank you again everybody for all your love and support, it hasn’t gone unnoticed and it means a lot.”