Strictly Come Dancing viewers expressed their concern and disappointment with the show after professional dancer Amy Dowden’s sudden hospitalisation.
Following her performance with celebrity partner JB Gill, Amy required medical attention and was unable to attend the results show, which is pre-recorded on Saturday nights. As a result, JB stood alone on Sunday’s show, awaiting the results alongside the other pairs. Typically, the professional dancers accompany their celebrity partners during this segment.
Fans took to X to share their thoughts, with one saying: “Did anyone else feel sorry for JB standing all on his own when they were announcing who was safe? They could’ve at least got Karen to step in for are Amy at least.”
Another fan added: “JB standing on the stairs on his own is so sad, hopefully lovely Amy is okay.”
A third viewer commented: “I wish JB didn’t have to stand by himself when the results were called out. Standing there is daunting in itself but standing there ALONE! What if he was in the Danceoff? Would Lauren or Karen have to step in last minute?”
One viewer posed a genuine question, asking: “Genuine question. If JB and Amy were in the face-off, what would have happened? As you can’t expect a pro to learn the dance so quickly or would it have been fair on JB to dance with a new pro, especially for a dance-off, with a moment’s notice!”
Another person wondered: “If JB had been in the dance-off, who would he have been dancing with since Amy was unavailable? Thank God she’s OK and that he’s through to next week’s shows,” reports the Mirror.
A separate fan queried: “What would have happened if JB and Amy were in the dance-off again? Does he do it alone?” While another fan remarked: “It’s a bit rough seeing JB standing alone for the results show!” Amidst the uncertainty, JB expressed his gratitude: “On behalf of both @amy_dowden and I, I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone for voting for us and wishing us well. We absolutely loved our performance on Saturday night and are so grateful to be through to another week on @bbcstrictly Thank you, thank you, thank you for your support.”
Addressing Amy’s situation, her spokesperson conveyed: “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 specified that “due to unforeseen circumstances” Amy was “unable” to participate in the episode, which follows the live show.
A representative from the East of England Ambulance Service stated: “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.”
Strictly Come Dancing returns to screens on Saturday at 6:30pm on BBC One.