Amy Dowden’s Tearful Farewell from Strictly as Injury Forces Her Off the Dance Floor
Strictly Come Dancing has been hit with more disappointment as beloved Welsh dancer Amy Dowden announced she would no longer compete in the current season due to a foot injury. Originally partnered with JLS star JB Gill, Amy’s sudden departure means JB will now continue with professional dancer Lauren Oakley.
Fellow contestants and friends have shared their sympathy, with Wynne Evans and his dance partner Katya Jones expressing their support. Katya posted on Wynne’s Instagram stories, sharing how difficult it is for a professional to withdraw, saying, “As a pro… you don’t understand how gutting it is. It’s the one thing you want to be, you want to be on that floor.” Wynne added, “I just am disappointed, and I know Wales will be disappointed that Amy can’t continue in the competition, but get well soon, that is the main thing”, reported by Wales Online.
In an emotional statement, Amy opened up about her sadness over having to leave the show. “My heart is breaking right now,” she wrote. “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.” Amy, who has been public about her battle with cancer, revealed that returning to the dance floor had been a goal she was committed to for 2024.
Reflecting on her time with JB, she added, “Then I partnered with the talented, kind, gentle soul JB. Every day our training room was chilled, hardworking, and full of big smiles… JB – thank you for being the perfect partner. We topped the leaderboard week one and continued to work so hard… For me, that rumba will always be one of my faves.”
Despite her sadness, Amy remained optimistic about her recovery, writing, “I’m so sad, so upset, and asking why me, why now that our journey has been cut short… 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 life. I’m sure at some point we will dance again, JB.” She signed off with words of encouragement for JB and Lauren, promising, “I’ll forever be your biggest cheerleader.”
Amy’s heartfelt message resonated deeply with fans and her Strictly family, who have been rooting for her return. The show will carry on, but Amy’s absence will be felt both by her partner JB and by fans who admired her resilience and passion.