Strictly's Amy Dowden will miss this weekend's show after collapsing backstage

Strictly Come Dancing viewers were thrilled to have professional dancer Amy Dowden MBE back on screens this year, after she was forced to miss the 2023 series following a battle with cancer.

However, Amy, who is paired with JLS singer JB Gill, collapsed backstage last weekend following the pair's routine, which led to Amy being taken to hospital via an ambulance, with many left worrying about the 34-year-old.

Bosses of the popular show have now shared an update regarding Amy's health, revealing she's feeling much better, but will be missing this weekend's show. The statement also confirmed professional dancer Lauren Oakley will step in for Amy during this week's rehearsals, and live show on Saturday night (2nd November).

The message read: 'Amy Dowden MBE is doing much better and all the Strictly family send her love and wish her well.

'Amy is delighted that Lauren is able to step in for rehearsals and to perform in Saturday's show for JB's Couple's Choice routine.

'We are all hopeful that Amy will be back to dance with JB next week'.

Whilst Amy has so far remained off social media, her Strictly partner JB did thank fans for their support, as he sailed through to the next round during Sunday night's results show.

Taking to Instagram, JB wrote: '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 🙏🏾🪩✨'. (sic)

Amy was taken to hospital in an ambulance after feeling unwell and collapsing at Elstree Studios on Saturday night.

Amy's spokesperson said in a statement at the time: "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."

We wish Amy a speedy recovery and hope to see her back on the show very soon ❤️.

Check out all of this year's Strictly pairings:

Strictly Come Dancing continues on BBC One and BBC iPlayer every weekend.

Now read:

Strictly's Jowita Przystał breaks silence on Pete Wicks romance rumours

Everything you need to know about Strictly Come Dancing 2024

All of the rumoured stars for I'm A Celeb 2024

How to listen to Clyde 1:

For great music and incredible competitions tune into Clyde 1 on 102.5FM, online, on our Clyde 1 app, your DAB radio, or say ‘Play Clyde 1’ on your Smart Speaker. We play you the biggest hits from the world’s hottest artists. You’ll find new favourites every day and hear the songs you've missed from the last few years. From Bowie@Breakfast in the morning, to the latest on Scottish Football with Superscoreboard every weeknight and Saturday afternoon.

• strictly
• amy dowden
• strictly come dancing