Former Strictly Come Dancing judge Dame Arlene Phillips has shared her thoughts on pro Amy Dowden following the news that she 'collapsed' backstage over the weekend.
Amy, 34, is said to have felt "unwell" shortly after performing on the BBC show on Saturday night. She was then absent from the results show and although she's now "doing much better," it's since been announced that the professional dancer will be taking a break from Strictly this week.
The news has prompted reaction from choreographer Arlene, 81 - who was a judge on Strictly from 2004 and 2008, prior to Amy joining the show. Whilst at the Global Gift Gala on Monday, she told the Daily Mail that Amy is a "powerhouse" and wants to be "back on that floor like everyone else".
Arlene continued: "I think her belief and her strength ... maybe there was a moment that overwhelmed her and she does need rest and she does need care - she will accept that. Amy is the greatest fighter we have right now on the dance floor. Whatever happens will be the right decision, I know Strictly will take care of her but Amy is also her own woman and what she decides goes."
It's been announced that Amy's colleague Lauren Oakley, 33, will rehearse with JB Gill, 37 - who has been partnered with Amy on the latest series of Strictly - this week. Lauren will also perform with JB on Saturday night, replacing Amy. The BBC has said that it's hoped Amy - who's previously spoken about having been diagnosed with Crohn's disease and her experience with cancer - will return to Strictly next week.
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PA)A spokesperson for the show 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 for [JB's] Couple's Choice dance. We are all hopeful that Amy will be back to dance with JB next week."
JB previously issued a message to fans on Instagram alongside photos from Halloween week. He wrote in the post on Sunday night following the results show: "On behalf of both @amy_dowden 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 on @bbcstrictly Thank you, thank you, thank you for your support."
It was announced on Sunday, ahead of the airing of the latest results show, that Amy had received medical attention on Saturday. A spokesperson for her said: "Amy was feeling unwell and so an ambulance was called as a precaution. She is feeling much better and would like to thank the Strictly family for their love and concern. We request Amy's privacy in matters of health is kindly respected."
As reported on the weekend, an East of England Ambulance Service spokesperson previously said: "We were called just after 9pm 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."
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