Strictly's Amy Dowden admits 'I'm not ok' after pulling out of BBC show

Amy Dowden has spoken out after being forced to withdraw from Strictly Come Dancing due to injury, saying she is "determined to keep pushing" in her recovery. The professional dancer, 34, was unable to participate in the show last year while undergoing treatment for stage 3 breast cancer, but made a triumphant return to the BBC ballroom this year with JLS singer JB Gill.

However, her time on the show was cut short when she suffered a foot injury, and it was announced that she would be pulling out of the competition. Since then, Amy has been focusing on her recovery, and has given fans a glimpse into her rest and rehabilitation process on social media.

In a series of Instagram stories, the Strictly pro can be seen engaging in various exercises at the gym, dedicating all her energy to her healing journey. Amy also posted a video from last year showing her completing her final round of chemotherapy, and took a moment to reflect on her journey.

"One year on and I'm determined to keep pushing this next year! ," she expressed. "Thank you to everyone who messaged this past week, it truly means everything! I'd be lying if I said I'm ok, but I know I will be and I'm lucky to have so many loved ones around me! 2025 sounds like an even better year ay."

In a series of videos, Amy Dowden shared her progress as she continues her recovery from breast cancer, reports the Mirror.

Flashing a cheerful smile while cycling in one video, she expressed her gratitude: "Thank you @physios2u And @xfmerryhill for your amazing space allowing us to help and lush with my recovery," she wrote.

In another piece of footage, Amy is seen powering through a kettlebell exercise while remaining focused on her future aspirations: "Some of todays exercises! I'm determined! Don't get bitter get better! Those dreams certainly aren't fading away and I'll always continue to work hard to be the best version of myself," she shared with her followers.

Amy's recent poignant appearance on Lorraine saw her emotionally reveal her regret at having to step back from this year's Strictly due to her condition, as she felt she had let her dance partner, JB, down: "I'm going to do my best not to cry, and I know lots of people would say it's an entertainment show. We were prepared that every week could be the dance off, but I'm gutted it's ended this way. I feel like I've left JB down," she said with evident sorrow.

In related news, the festive buzz is already starting for Strictly Come Dancing's Christmas special with two contestants announced to be competing for the Silver Star trophy. Comedian Josh Widdicombe and Ru Paul's Drag Race UK star Tayce have been confirmed as the initial celebrities vying for the title previously won by EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick alongside his dance partner Nancy Xu.