Strictly pro Amy Dowden's show future confirmed by BBC as 'replacement' announced

pro has been forced to quit to rest of the competition and her celebrity match has been given a new dance partner.

The Welsh professional dancer, 34, missed out on the 2023 contest as she was battling breast cancer. Earlier this year, Amy confirmed that doctors could no longer find evidence of the disease after months of brutal treatments.

Things were looking up for the star as she was later given the all-clear to return to the dance floor for this season.

Amy was partnered with JLS singer JB Gill but, after a positive start to the competition, the dancer faced a major setback after she was taken to hospital when she 'collapsed' following her previous live performance.

It has since been confirmed that Amy is "feeling much better". However fellow professional dancer Lauren Oakley, 33, stepped in for Amy and took to the dance floor with JB on Saturday night.

It has now been officially confirmed that Amy will not be returning to the contest as she had been given medical advice not to continue with the show.

A Strictly spokesperson told Reach: "Sadly, Amy Dowden MBE will not be partaking in the rest of the competition this year. Whilst Amy focuses on her recovery following a foot injury, fellow professional dancer Lauren Oakley will step in as JB's dance partner.

"The health and wellbeing of everyone involved in Strictly are always the utmost priority. The whole Strictly family sends Amy love and well wishes."

The announcement was also made on Monday's episode of the Strictly spin-off show, It Takes Two.

Viewers watching Strictly on Saturday night, saw JB make it through to next week's show after impressing the judges and viewers at home with his Couple's Choice routine with pro Lauren.

They scored an impressive 39 out of 40 altogether and fans of the BBC competition can't get enough of the pair.

JB paid tribute to Amy and dedicated the dance to her and declared: "For you, Amy." Later on, Amy thanked her co-star Lauren for stepping in at the last moment, as she said: "I am so grateful to you Lauren. Thank you Lauren, thank you J, you too are just amazing. I just wish I was there with you."

Strictly returns this Saturday at 6.35pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.