BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Amy Dowden was 'so severe' after collapse that 'fire service were called'

Amy Dowden's condition on Saturday night at BBC Strictly Come Dancing was reportedly so bad that fire crews needed to attend. The BBC pro dancer will miss this weekend's Strictly Come Dancing with Lauren Oakley stepping in to partner J B Gill.

Dowden was taken to hospital during Saturday night’s Strictly Come Dancing live show after collapsing backstage. Dowden returned to the BBC talent show this year, having missed the previous series after being diagnosed with breast cancer.

Her condition was so serious that the fire service were called and specialist equipment used to help keep her completely flat, according to reports. In a statement, the dancer’s spokesperson told BBC News: “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.”

READ MORE NS&I warns Premium Bonds customers over unexpected £400 landing in bank account

They added: “We request Amy’s privacy in matters of health is kindly respected.” The Welsh dancer, 34, was taken to hospital after an ambulance was called to Elstree Studios, in Borehamwood, during the show. An East of England ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We were called just after 21.00 BST on Saturday to attend a medical emergency at Elstree Studios in Borehamwood.

“An ambulance was sent to the scene. One patient, an adult female, was transported to Barnet hospital for further care.” Welsh Amy, who is a Pride of Birmingham Awards regular, revealed last year how she was nearly killed by sepsis while undergoing treatment for cancer.

The dancer, who has a dance school in Birmingham, said she was “very unlucky” to have contracted the infection. Dowden told Hello! magazine that two days after chemotherapy treatment on 3 August, she went for a walk with her parents, Gillian and Richard.

“The Strictly producers were checking in on me, and I was sending videos of me on my walk. I couldn’t believe how good I was feeling,” she said.