Lauren Oakley is standing in for Amy Dowden for today’s Strictly Come Dancing rehearsal.
The 33-year-old dancer – who was not assigned a celebrity partner for the current series – is stepping up after Amy was rushed to hospital after Saturday’s live show.
The BBC has confirmed that Lauren will be standing in today with JB Gill as they start this week’s practice sessions.
Amy, 34, was taken to hospital after the live show, with reports saying the dancing professional felt ‘unwell’.
Her spokesperson 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.’
A spokesperson for the East of England Ambulance Service also confirmed that a woman was taken to hospital after the show aired.
‘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.’
The Welsh dancer and JLS star scored a 32 from the judges on Saturday night with their foxtrot to Dancing In The Moonlight by Toploader, which Anton Du Beke hailed ‘super duper’.
JB, 37, appeared on his own for Sunday’s results show, and later thanked fans for their 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,’ he wrote on Instagram.
‘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.’
There had been speculation over Amy’s future on the show, and who could replace her if she’s unable to be continue – but Lauren’s role is as a stand-in for today’s training.
A source told The Sun: ‘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.’
Amy was diagnosed with breast cancer in May last year, and got the all-clear in February, after keeping fans updated on her health throughout her chemotherapy treatment.
She opened up about her health struggles, including fertility problems, sepsis, and losing her hair, in BBC documentary Strictly Amy: Cancer and Me, while in the past she’s discussed suffering from a chronic condition, Crohn’s disease.
Strictly Come Dancing continues on Saturday on BBC One and iPlayer.
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