BBC Strictly Come Dancing issue major update on Amy Dowden's health after backstage 'collapse'

A major update on BBC Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden’s health battle has been issued - as bosses rule her OUT of the show. BBC pro dancer Amy was last night said to be “doing much better” but will be unable to return this week.

A Strictly Come Dancing spokesperson said: “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.” Amy was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in May last year and underwent a full mastectomy, before having chemotherapy towards the end of 2023.

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However, she later reported docs had found a clot on her lung, telling fans sadly: "Unfortunately I've had another nightmare this week." Before her return to Strictly, Amy faced months of gruelling cancer treatment and was forced to step back from the series last year.

And it's touching messages from fans that help her to stay on the show, as she revealed: "I get so many messages about my smile. I do always look back and think, ‘Gosh, this time last year I was having chemo, this time last year I was in hospital with a blood clot’.

"What a difference a year can make. I get messages every day from people saying, ‘I’m going through chemo and you’re my hope’, or, ‘Because of you I’ve checked myself and I found a lump’, or some-thing like this. I’m just grateful to be back and be in the position I am.”

Amy has spoken bravely about her battle with Crohn's Disease and recovery from breast cancer.