STRICTLY Come Dancing hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have sent a heartfelt message to Amy Dowden after she was forced off the show.
Professional dancer Amy, 34, has had to bow out of this year’s competition due to a devastating injury to her shin.
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Amy has only just returned to the BBC show this year after completing her treatment for breast cancer and she had been partnered with JB Gill.
But earlier this week, it was confirmed that Amy is no longer able to compete with the JLS star and that Laura Oakley will be taking her place.
Addressing viewers as this weekend’s Strictly got underway, Tess said: “Before we get started, our lovely Amy Dowden has had to withdraw from this year’s competition due to injury so Lauren will be stepping in and dancing with JB for the rest of his time on the show.”
Looking straight at the camera, Claudia continued: “Amy, everyone at Strictly is sending you so much love and we cannot wait to see you back on this dance floor very, very soon.”
Amy collapsed backstage during Halloween Week and was rushed to hospital in an ambulance.
She had performed on the night with JB but he was forced to stand alone during the results show.
It was initially hoped Amy would be able to return to continue with him in the series but it was confirmed this week that she has had to withdraw.
Speaking on Strictly’s spin-off It Takes Two on Wednesday, Amy broke down in tears has she confirmed the news.
“Unfortunately I have an insufficiency fracture on my shin, if I’ve said that right,” she said.
“Nothing to do with my injury last year. So yeah, I’m just absolutely gutted that I need to rest for a couple of weeks.”
Amy the stared to cry as host Janette Manrara asked: “How much do you think being back with the gang contributed to your overall wellbeing?”
Wiping her eyes, Amy added: “Being back with the Strictly family has been the best rehab.”
Amy’s appearance in Strictly 2024 comes a year after having to take a step back after her breast cancer diagnosis.
The star was diagnosed in May 2023 and went on to have several gruelling rounds of chemotherapy.
Since withdrawing from Strictly, Amy has told fans to expect her back on the show in ‘some capacity’ before the series comes to an end.
She told BBC Radio Wales that doctors are hoping she could be back dancing again by the end of November.
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