Amy Dowden's Strictly replacement update after dancer's health scare

Amy Dowden's Strictly Come Dancing stand-in Lauren Oakley has shown her support as she prepares to partner with JB Gill for this Saturday's performance. After a dazzling foxtrot to Toploader's "Dancing In The Moonlight" with the JLS star, Amy, aged 34, was notably missing from Sunday's (October 27) results show.

It was later revealed that she had collapsed backstage and was taken to hospital urgently. Amid rising speculation about her future on the hit show, a BBC spokesperson has confirmed Amy will indeed sit out the next round of the competition to focus on her health.

Lauren is set to step into her shoes, partnering with JB Gill in this weekend's episodes. Lauren expressed her support on her Instagram story on Monday evening (October 28), alongside the BBC's official statement regarding Amy's health. Her message read: "Sending you so much love and well wishes @amy_dowden", adding her hopes for Amy's quick return to dancing.

She also offered reassurance, stating: "I will look after @jbgill for you this week, I hope we make you proud! ", reports the Express.

Amy's decision to miss this week's show came after a Strictly Come Dancing spokeswoman stated: "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."

This statement came from her representative after the ballroom dancer was absent from Sunday's results show due to "feeling unwell". She was taken to a London hospital from the BBC One show's production centre, Elstree Studios, as a "precaution." Fleur East confirmed the news while hosting Strictly spin-off It Takes Two on Monday.

Meanwhile, JB expressed his gratitude on Instagram, thanking his and Amy's fans for their unwavering support: "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."

Amid escalating concerns for Amy's health following her treatment for breast cancer and struggle with Crohn's Disease, speculation is growing that these recent events may prompt show executives to consider her future involvement. Regarding Amy Dowden's recent health scare, her representative said: "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."