November 6th 2024.
In her first television interview since officially leaving Strictly Come Dancing, Amy Dowden opened up about her departure from the show. It was announced on Monday that she would be exiting the BBC program in order to recover from a foot injury she sustained back on October 26th. Her dance partner, JB Gill, will continue in the competition with Lauren Oakley, who stepped in for Amy during the most recent live show. On tonight's episode of Strictly: It Takes Two, Amy sat down to discuss her departure and shared how disappointed she is to no longer be dancing with the JLS star.
"It's absolutely gutting," the 34-year-old shared with a heavy heart. "Unfortunately, I have an insufficiency stress fracture on my shin and I need to rest for a couple of weeks. But JB will continue with the amazing Lauren." Amy became emotional as she talked about leaving the contest, but she made it clear that her health scares in the past, including her battle with Crohn's Disease and breast cancer, have nothing to do with her current injury. "This could have happened to anyone. It's not related to my previous health issues," she clarified.
Janette Manrara, who was filling in for regular host Zoe Ball, showed her support for Amy throughout the interview. She asked Amy about her experience being back on Strictly and how it has positively impacted her overall well-being. In 2023, Amy was undergoing cancer treatment and was unable to participate in the main cast, so being back on the show this year has been a special and healing experience for her.
As Amy spoke about her time on the show, she became overwhelmed with emotion and apologized before Janette reassured her that it was not necessary. Janette held her hand supportively as Amy expressed how much being back with the Strictly family meant to her. "I'm heartbroken. Being back with the Strictly family was the best rehab," she said through tears. "I was having the best time and to have it cut short is heartbreaking. But I know this too shall pass. I'll be there, cheering everyone on."
Now that Amy is no longer able to dance with JB, she is hopeful that she will still be able to participate in the group routines with her fellow professional dancers later in the series. She also shared that Lauren is getting a "kind and patient" partner in JB and that she is excited to see them continue dancing together. "He is so talented and picks up routines so fast. Most of all, he just loves to dance," she gushed.
To commemorate their time together, JB sent a special video message that was played during the interview. He praised Amy for being a "wonderful teacher" and a "beautiful soul" before thanking her for everything she has done for him during their time on the show. Strictly: It Takes Two airs every weekday on BBC2 at 6:30pm. And if you have a celebrity story, video, or pictures, you can share them with the The Agency entertainment team by emailing them, calling their number, or visiting their Submit Stuff page. They would love to hear from you.
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