Strictly latest: Amy Dowden ‘hopes to return to 2024 series’ as new details of training room injury revealed

Following the news that Amy Dowden has had to pull out of Strictly Come Dancing, more details of her injury have now been revealed.

The pro dancer, 34, didn’t perform on Saturday’s show (November 2). Instead, she was replaced by Lauren Oakley. The switch-up came after Amy fell ill the previous weekend and was treated in hospital.

Earlier this week, the BBC issued a statement. It revealed that Amy has suffered a foot injury. Now, after Amy said her “heart is breaking” over the news, her rep has shared more details on the injury.

Pro Amy has had to pull out of Strictly for the rest of the series (Credit: BBC/Guy Levy)

Amy Dowden pulls out of Strictly

Earlier this week, Amy was forced to pull out of the 2024 series.

The statement read out on It Takes Two on Monday (November 4) said: “Sadly, Amy Dowden MBE will not be partaking in the rest of the competition this year. Whilst Amy focuses on her recovery following a foot injury, fellow Professional Dancer, Lauren Oakley, will step in as JB’s dance partner.

“The health and wellbeing of everyone involved in Strictly are always the utmost priority. The whole Strictly family sends Amy love and well wishes.”

New details as Amy Dowden ‘hopes to dance on Strictly again before series ends’

However, speaking to The Mirror, Amy’s rep has suggested that the Welsh pro will be back on the 2024 series, even if it isn’t with her celebrity partner JB.

It is a different injury to the one she had a year ago. It’s the same foot but a different bone. It’s just terribly bad luck.

Earlier today (November 5), they shared: “Amy is hoping to be able to dance again on Strictly before the end of the series. It is a different injury to the one she had a year ago. It’s the same foot but a different bone. It’s just terribly bad luck.

“She did it during training, it was one of those things, nobody’s fault, but it got worse over the next few days.”

They then added: “With this injury, there is no outward sign. She is okay to walk around, but she can’t wear heels.”

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A post shared by Amy Dowden MBE (@amy_dowden)

Amy’s statement

On her Instagram last night, Amy 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 on, one I devoted 2024 to.

“There was no feeling like dancing with my Strictly family. Then I was partnered with the talented, kind, gentle soul JB.

“Every day our training room was chilled, hardworking, and full of big smiles.”

Amy said she feels “so sad, so upset and asking why me”. She added: “Why now that our journey has been cut short? My heart right now is breaking having to pull out of the competition due to a foot injury.

“I know only too well ‘this too shall pass’ and I’ll be soon better and back dancing. Something I’ve had to get used to in my life. I’m sure at some point we will dance again JB. To all the fans, to my loved ones, my Strictly family, thank you.

“JB I know you and Lauren will continue to ace that dance floor. I’ll forever be your biggest cheerleader.”

Lauren stood in for Amy on Saturday’s show (Credit: BBC/Guy Levy)

‘Doing much better’

It comes after Amy missed last weekend’s show due to her health ordeal.

The previous Saturday (October 26), Amy was taken to hospital after she became unwell following the live show.

After the ordeal, a Strictly spokesperson said: “Amy Dowden MBE is doing much better and the Strictly family send her love and wish her well.

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“She is delighted that fellow professional dancer, Lauren Oakley, is able to step in for rehearsals and to perform in Saturday’s show for JB Gill’s Couple’s Choice dance.”

Amy became ill after her Halloween performance with JB (Credit: BBC/Guy Levy)
Meanwhile, a rep for Amy said at the time: “Amy was feeling unwell and so an ambulance was called as a precaution.”

This past Saturday (November 2), Amy still appeared on the show. She watched her celeb partner JB Gill dance with Lauren Oakley.

JB and Lauren bagged an incredible 39 points out of 40 for their Couple’s Choice routine. Following the routine, Amy gushed on Instagram: “So proud thank you all for voting! But mostly so proud of you both and forever grateful! @jbgill @laurenmayoakley week 8 woooooohooooooo!!!”