BBC Strictly Come Dancing pro forced to leave halfway through series and replaced with familiar face

Amy Dowden’s Strictly Come Dancing replacement has been revealed as the Welsh star is forced to miss rehearsals after her collapse. Amy was rushed to hospital after the pair performed on Saturday's live Halloween special on BBC One.

Lauren Oakley, 33, will now replace her for Monday's rehearsals, the BBC has said. Speaking to the Sun newspaper, an insider on the show told the paper: "Lauren will be stepping in today to train with JB. It's unclear when Amy will be back but everyone just wants her to rest and get better."

A statement from Amy's spokesperson read: "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 Come Dancing family for their love and concern. We request Amy's privacy in matters of health is kindly respected."

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A Strictly insider said: “Amy was obviously in huge distress. “Everyone around her was equally upset because they felt so helpless. JB had to be given a hug. Even the medic who first attended to Amy needed support and consolation. The only thing they could do was try to get her to hospital as quickly and safely as possible.”

For the Halloween Special, Amy and JB dressed as scarecrows and performed to Dancing In The Moonlight by Toploader at 7.18pm. Amy started to feel ill minutes after she and JB received a 32 out of 40 score from the judges at 7.25pm.

Amy was still seen standing and smiling with JB in the final line-up at around 8.10pm. By 9pm an ambulance had been called and at 9.50pm the fire service were also contacted to assist. The East of England Ambulance Service confirmed: “We were called just after 9pm 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.” Assistant Chief Fire Officer Mark Barber said: “Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service were called at 9.50pm to Elstree Studios in Borehamwood. We assisted with the transfer of a female patient to an ambulance.”