Amy Dowden has quit BBC’s Strictly Come dancing following a devastating injury during training.
The 34-year-old professional dancer was reportedly taken to hospital as a “precaution” after she began “feeling unwell” during the main show two weeks ago.
However, she has now taken to Instagram to let fans know that she will not be returning to the series after she broke her foot and spoke about how free she felt being back on the dance floor following her battle with breast cancer.
The star, who runs a dance studio in Cradley Health with husband Ben Jones, wrote: “My heart is breaking right now. The past few months I finally felt like me again. Cancer was no longer the first thing I thought of when I woke up.
“It was choreography, music choices, which dances in which order, what we needed to work on. I felt free again. My goal since hearing those words you have cancer was to get back on the strictly dance floor.
“It’s been such a challenge to get back, one I devoted 2024 too. Which with my incredible team we got there. Something I wanted to do for myself and loved ones. There was no feeling like it dancing again in the ballroom with my strictly family.
“Then I was partnered with the talented ,kind, gentle soul JB. Every day our training room was chilled, hardworking and full of big smiles enjoying what we was creating together with a blossoming friendship.
“JB thank you for being the perfect partner back. We topped the leader board week one and continued to work so hard and thank you for being so passionate about understanding the ballroom and Latin fundamentals.
“For me that rumba will always be one of my favs. I’m so sad, so upset and asking why me, why now that our journey has been cut short.
“My heart right now is breaking having to pull out of the competition due to a foot injury and I know only too well ‘this too shall pass’ and l’ll be soon better and back dancing. Something l’ve had to get used to in my life.
“I’m sure at some point we will dance again JB. To all the fans, to my loved ones, my strictly family thank you. I know you and Lauren will continue to ace that dance floor . I’ll forever be your biggest cheerleader.”
A spokesperson for the BBC show said the professional dancer will not return as she “focuses on her recovery”. They added: “The whole Strictly family sends Amy love and well wishes.”
Fans have since taken to the comments to wish her well as they hope to see her dancing across their screens again sometime. One wrote: “Beautiful warrior Queen. We all adore you and the come back will once more be EPIC. You’ll be back before you know it. Sending you love and healing xxx.”
Another well-wisher added: ” We love you Amy and your health is top priority. Lots of love cariad and hopefully we’ll see you when you feel up to an appearance on Strictly.”
Someone else penned: “Bless you I am so sad for you. Sending so much love and wishing you a speedy recovery.”