Amy Dowden Breaks Silence After Backstage Collapse and Hospital Dash
In a heartfelt update following a backstage health scare, Strictly Come Dancing professional Amy Dowden has expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support she’s received. During a surprise appearance on It Takes Two on Friday, November 1, Amy addressed her fans and co-stars after collapsing backstage and being rushed to the hospital over the weekend.
The 34-year-old Welsh dancer felt unwell and collapsed shortly after her live performance on Saturday, prompting an emergency response. Production quickly arranged for her transport from Elstree Studios to Barnet Hospital as a “precaution.” Speaking with It Takes Two host Janette Manrara, Amy shared an encouraging update: “I’m feeling so much better and I’d just like to thank everyone for all the love and support I’ve received and to my Strictly family.”
Amy’s dance partner, JB Gill of JLS, also shared his appreciation for the public’s support on Instagram. “On behalf of both @amy_dowden and I, I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone for voting for us and wishing us well. We absolutely loved our performance on Saturday night and are so grateful to be through to another week on @bbcstrictly. Thank you, thank you, thank you for your support,” he posted, showing how much their fans’ support has meant during this challenging time.
Amy’s collapse adds another layer to her already courageous journey this season. She returned to the competition after an intense battle with breast cancer, during which she underwent a mastectomy and chemotherapy. Diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in 2022, Amy found a lump while on her honeymoon with fellow Strictly professional Ben Jones. Earlier this year, she announced the hopeful news that tests showed “no evidence of disease.”
In addition to her recent battle with cancer, Amy has faced ongoing health struggles with Crohn’s disease, a chronic inflammatory condition. She documented her journey with Crohn’s in the BBC program Strictly Amy: Crohn’s and Me, opening up about the daily challenges she faces managing the condition. Her courage in speaking publicly about her health has inspired fans and allowed her to connect deeply with viewers who experience similar challenges.
The incident over the weekend was handled promptly by the Strictly team, and Amy’s spokesperson assured fans of her recovery. On Sunday, a representative stated, “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.” The East of England Ambulance Service confirmed, “We were called just after 9 pm on Saturday to attend a medical emergency at Elstree Studios in Borehamwood. An ambulance was sent to the scene, and one patient, an adult female, was transported to Barnet Hospital for further care.”
Although Amy was unable to join JB on stage for Sunday’s pre-recorded Results Show, their performance on Saturday, a graceful foxtrot to “Dancing in the Moonlight” by Toploader, ensured the pair’s safe passage to another week of competition.
Fans and the Strictly community continue to rally behind Amy, admiring her resilience in the face of adversity. As she recovers, her journey serves as a powerful reminder of her determination and courage, both on the dance floor and beyond.