Amy Dowden’s Strictly replacement 'revealed' as star misses rehearsals after collapse
It has been reported that beloved professional dancer Amy Dowden will be temporarily replaced on Strictly Come Dancing during rehearsals this week following her collapse at the end of Saturday night’s Halloween Week special. Amy was backstage after the live show ended when she suffered a “medical emergency” and an ambulance was called to take her to hospital.
Amy, 34, and celebrity partner JB Gill missed the results show, but the pair were sent through to Idols week, which will take place on Saturday 2 November. While Amy recovers, JB will reportedly rehearse with pro dancer Lauren Oakley, who does not have a celebrity partner in the series this year. Lauren joined Strictly in 2022 and last year was paired with Krishnan Guru-Murthy. OK! has contacted Strictly Come Dancing representatives for comment.
A source told The Sun: "Lauren will be stepping in today to train with JB. It's unclear when Amy will be back but everyone just wants her to rest and get better."
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Lauren appears to have cleared her schedule to help JB rehearse, as her usual Monday virtual class with creative director Ian Banham has been postponed according to her Instagram page. On Sunday night, Lauren wrote: "Hey guys, I'm so sorry but due to unforeseen circumstances I'm unable to make the class with Ian Banham tomorrow. It will be postponed for a future date so please keep an eye out on both of our pages. So sorry for any inconvenience. Looking forward to dancing with you soon."
It is hoped Amy will be well enough to return to rehearsals later this week. She has recently bravely battled cancer and also has Crohn’s Disease. A representative for the star explained on Sunday: "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."
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Meanwhile, the East of England Ambulance Service confirmed the incident, stating: "We were called just after 9pm on Saturday to attend a medical emergency at Elstree Studios in Borehamwood. An ambulance was dispatched to the scene and one patient, an adult female, was taken to Barnet Hospital for further care."
Amy discussed her recovery after facing a battle with stage three breast cancer last May. The MBE honouree opened up on the Mirror's Invite Only podcast and said: "I worked really, really hard on my rehab, it was a lot harder than I imagined, not gonna lie. The last several months of getting my body back... I'm still on that road, I guess. But I'm grateful for my body getting through it, and I try not to compare myself to Amy before, because I'm a new Amy now."
