Amy Dowden in high spirits in first TV appearance since pulling out of Strictly-Pierra Willix-Entertainment – Metro

Amy Dowden has revealed she is ‘feeling much better’ after being forced to pull out of Strictly Come Dancing.

During last weekend’s live show, the 34-year-old professional dancer was rushed to hospital after feeling ‘unwell’.

It was then announced that Lauren Oakley would be standing in for her on this weekend’s show and performing with Amy’s partner JB Gill.

The pair will be taking to the dancefloor tomorrow with a pre-planned Couple’s Choice to a Bruno Mars medley.

Ahead of the live show, the trio appeared on Friday night’s episode of It Takes Two, with Amy also addressing her recent health scare.

‘I am feeling so much better, and I’d like to thank everyone for the love and support I’ve received,’ she said while smiling.

Amy Dowden has declared she is ‘feeling much better’ after being rushed to hospital last week (Picture: BBC)

Viewers also said they were relieved to see her looking well.

‘Great to see Amy looking much better,’ Matty posted on X.

‘Ah what a lovely surprise seeing Amy Dowden on It Takes Two tonight. Hope you’re doing well,’ Catherine shared.

‘Glad to see Amy doing well ♥️ She will be missed this weekend,’ Amy added.

Others said they were looking forward to seeing her back on the Strictly main show soon.

She appeared on It Takes Two with partner JB Gill and fellow pro dancer Lauren Oakley (Picture: BBC)

After Amy took ill, a Strictly spokesperson shared: ‘Amy Dowden MBE is doing much better and the Strictly family send her love and wish her well.

‘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.

‘We are all hopeful that Amy will be back to dance with JB next week.’

A spokesperson for the dancer said the ambulance ‘was called as a precaution’ and that she was now ‘feeling much better’.

She made her return to the BBC series this year after being unable to compete in 2023 (Picture: Guy Levy/ BBC/ PA Wire)

‘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,’ they added.

Amy, who joined the series in 2017, was forced to miss last year’s series after being diagnosed with breast cancer and undergoing mastectomy and chemotherapy.

Meanwhile Lauren, who does not have a celebrity partner this year, joined the BBC show in 2022.

Last year she was paired with Channel 4 News presenter Krishnan Guru-Murthy, finishing in eighth place.

It Takes Two airs weekdays at 6.30pm on BBC Two. Strictly Come Dancing continues tomorrow at 6.20pm on BBC One.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

Entertainment – MetroRead More