Amy Dowden breaks silence over Strictly exit as she responds to JB Gill
Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden has broken her silence following her exit from the dancing show. The Caerphilly dancer took to her social media page to express her appreciation of her celebrity partner, JB Gill, and said that the two "will dance again".
The Strictly star remained quiet for 48 hours after the news of her departure was announced. On Monday, November 4, it was confirmed that Amy had withdrawn from the BBC One show due to an injury.
Just over a week ago, the professional dancer was taken to hospital after collapsing backstage post-live show. In a heartfelt statement, Amy later confirmed that a foot injury was the cause of her hospital visit, leading her to step down from the remainder of the series to focus on her recovery.
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As a result, last weekend's show saw Amy replaced by Lauren Oakley who was partnered with former JLS band member JB Gill. However, Amy has now taken to Instagram to show her appreciation of her former celebrity dance partner. For the latest TV & Showbiz news, sign up to our newsletter.
On her Instagram story on Wednesday afternoon, November 6, the dancer shared a post by JB Gill with the caption: "Oh [JB Gill] made me cry (again)... thank you, thank you, thank you! I've been flicking through our pics and vids and memories we will cherish forever and we will dance again, but for now continue in your words being 'dope' on that dancefloor. Keep continuing to enjoy and embrace this magical Strictly journey with the wonderful Loz [Lauren Oakley]!".
The 34-year-old professional dancer, who was diagnosed with breast cancer last year, had to pause her appearances on the show to undergo treatment. Her comeback to the stage this year, performing with JB Gill, was met with much anticipation. Many expected her to reach the final.
But in an emotional statement released on Monday, Amy told fans that she had to leave the 2024 competition, she said: "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. My heart right now is breaking having to pull out of the competition due to a foot injury and I know only too well 'this too shall pass' and I'll be soon better and back dancing... I'm sure at some point we will dance again JB."
