Amy Dowden has been forced to pull out of this weekend’s Strictly after collapsing at the studio.
The pro dancer, 34, is taking a break from the show to recover after being hospitalised on Saturday night. It means she isn’t able to perform with celebrity partner JB Gill, 37, for the foreseeable future.
Panicked bosses have drafted in fellow pro Lauren Oakley, 33, to take her place while she is out of action.
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A Strictly spokesperson said: “Amy is doing much better and the Strictly family send her love and wish her well. She is delighted that fellow professional dancer Lauren is able to step in for rehearsals and to perform in Saturday’s show.”
Lauren and JB will be performing a Couple’s Choice routine as part of the show’s new icons-themed week. They are already being tipped to survive the vote-off by bookies.
Lauren is known to viewers for partnering Krishnan Guru-Murthy, 54, during last year’s series.
JLS singer JB has praised fans for being supportive over Amy’s illness. He said: “I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone for voting for us and wishing us well.”
Bosses are hoping Amy will be well enough to make a sensational return to the show next week.
The spokesperson added: “We are all hopeful that Amy will be back to dance with JB next week.”
Amy collapsed just minutes after performing in Saturday’s live show. The Welsh star was rushed to hospital for checks.
It came just months after she finished chemotherapy treatment for cancer. Amy also has Crohns disease, which has left her hospitalised in the past.
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