Strictly Amy Dowden's tragic battle with Crohn's which 'no one ever asks her about'

Amy Dowden previously opened up about living with Crohn's disease, a chronic condition she was diagnosed with as a child.

Crohn’s disease is a lifelong condition where parts of the digestive system become inflamed. Symptoms typically include abdominal pain, severe diarrhoea, fatigue, and weight loss.

The Strictly Come Dancing star, 34, was also diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2023. She had chemotherapy, a mastectomy and fertility treatment before being given the all-clear in February.

While undergoing chemotherapy treatment, the Welsh dancer kept fans updated on her health and went on to share more of her story in the BBC documentary Strictly Amy: Cancer and Me.

Earlier this year, Amy admitted that "no one ever asks" about her battle with Crohn's, despite the fact she'll live with the condition for the rest of her life.

"There’s a stigma – people don’t want to talk about poo and guts," Amy told Prima. "I suffered with it for eight years before I even got a diagnosis, and I’ve always wanted to go into more depth to raise awareness. I was able to do that in my book."

The ballroom dancer continued: "My cancer experience has helped me not to stress about my Crohn’s, as that had to take a backseat. Now, I think, 'If it took a backseat then, it can take a backseat for ever.'"

Amy also opened up about Crohn's in her book, adding: "When you suffer from a chronic illness or cancer, there’s a weird sense that the world is spinning without you. Your normality is taken away and you lose a sense of purpose.

"I’m usually such a busy bee, but I was waking up every day and not doing what I love, so the book gave me purpose in what was a very lonely dark time."

It comes after Amy was rushed to hospital following her performance with JB Gill on Saturday night's (October 26) instalment of Strictly Come Dancing.

Paramedics were called to Elstree Studios before Amy was taken away in an ambulance. Amy's spokesperson 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."

Amy is being replaced by Strictly co-star and fellow pro Lauren Oakley as she takes a short break to recover from her collapse.