Amy Dowden's mother shares health update on Strictly star after backstage collapse

Amy Dowden returned to Strictly Come Dancing in September 2024 (Image: BBC)

Amy Dowden's mother, Gillian Dowden, has provided an update on her daughter's condition, suggesting that the Strictly Come Dancing star could be back on the show this weekend after her recent health scare.

The Welsh dancer was forced to withdraw from the show after she collapsed backstage during the live show. Her doting mother, 65, reassured fans that the blonde bombshell is on the mend and has been in regular contact with Amy since the incident.

Speaking from the family's home in Caerphilly, South Wales to the Daily Mail, she said: "We have talked today on the telephone and she is doing well." When asked if Amy would be returning to the show this week, she replied, "Yes, I don't see why not."

The 34-year-old, who is reportedly in remission following a battle with breast cancer, made her comeback to the show in September after a two-year break.

However, paramedics were called to the BBC studios after 9:00 p.m. on Saturday evening (October 26) due to a "medical emergency."

The dancer collapsed backstage during the live show (Image: Anadolu)

A spokesperson for the East of England Ambulance Service stated: "We were called just after 9p.m. 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 incident occurred shortly after Amy performed the Foxtrot to Toploader's hit Dancing In The Moonlight alongside her celebrity partner, JLS star JB Gill. Observant fans noted that she appeared to be partially seated during the performance.

Concerns have been raised among show insiders about Amy’s future on Strictly, especially as she also manages Crohn's disease. Some feared that her collapse on Saturday evening might lead to her departure from the competition.

Strictly bosses have since replaced her with professional dancer Lauren Oakley, who was originally left without a partner for this year's show, while she recuperates.

Her mother has reassured fans she is doing well (Image: BBC)

Oakley will rehearse with Gill in Dowden's absence after the singer avoided the dance-off, finishing fifth on the Strictly leader-board with a collective score of 32 from show judges Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel-Horwood and Anton du Beke.

A source told The Sun: "Lauren will be stepping in today to train with JB. It's unclear when Amy will be back but everyone just wants her to rest and get better."

Gill shared an Instagram message on Sunday (October 27) as the pair made it through to another week, writing: "On behalf of both @amydowden and I.

"I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone for voting for us and wishing us well. We absolutely loved our performance on Saturday night and are SO grateful to be through to another week Thank you, thank you, thank you for your support."