Amy Dowden became emotional as she opened up about having to leave Strictly Come Dancing.
The 34-year-old choreographer was forced to pull out of the show following a foot injury, which came after she had to miss week six’s show after collapsing backstage.
Dowden, who was partnered with JLS star GB Jill, 37, had been enjoying a promising series, with the two frequently topping the leaderboard of the glitzy competition.
The blow of having to leave is extra painful for the dancer because she missed out on the 2023 series as she underwent cancer treatment.
In a lengthy statement this week she addressed how “sad and upset” she felt about having to leave but offered her full support to Gill and his replacement partner, Strictly professional Lauren Oakley.
Dowden appeared on Strictly spin-off show, It Takes Two, on Wednesday, and while talking about the partner she has become close friends with, she struggled to hold back tears.
Amy Dowden broke down in tears over her Strictly exit
BBC
As host Janette Manrara asked how she’d been feeling, she admitted: “Yeah, I’m absolutely gutted.
“Unfortunately, I have an insufficiency stress fracture – nothing to do with my injury last year. So yeah, I’m just absolutely gutted, but I need to rest for a couple of weeks.
“JB, obviously he’s got to continue hopefully I’ll be back dancing in some capacity, maybe in a group number, by the end of the series, so fingers crossed.”
When Manrara asked Dowden if she’d been speaking to Gill, it was clear she was becoming emotional as she replied: “Of course.”
JB Gill will continue in the BBC Strictly competition with Lauren Oakley
BBC
She continued: “I’ve been keeping up to date with how the dance is going this week… Yeah, we’ve spoken a lot.
“Obviously, we formed such a lovely friendship.”
“How much has being back with the gang helped your overall wellbeing?” Manrara quizzed, at which point Dowden broke down in tears, managing to respond: “Oh, it was everything.”
“Sorry, I’m heartbroken,” she added, with Manrara quickly stepping in to comfort her co-star.
“It’s ok, give me your hand – we’ve got this, we’re together,” she offered.
“Being back with the Strictly family was the best rehab,” Dowden continued.
“Well, we loved having you back,” former Strictly professional-turned presenter commented.
“It’s been so gorgeous, so inspiring, so beautiful to see you doing what you do,” she added.
JB Gill and Amy Dowden formed a close friendship and were frequently topping the BBC Strictly leaderboard
BBC
“Thank you,” Dowden beamed, smiling. Manrara followed up by asking what kind of partner she thinks Oakley will be getting from Gill.
“Ah, Lauren is getting a very kind, very patient partner,” the dancer enthused.
“But he is so talented,” she praised. “He picks up the routine so fast! It’s unbelievable.
“But most of all, he just loves to dance. He’s enjoying his magical Strictly journey, and honestly I can’t wait to watch them just continue.”
Oakley offered her support with a touching message to Dowden following the news of her withdrawal as she made a sweet vow on her Instagram post.