STRICTLY Come Dancing judge Motsi Mabuse has admitted Amy Dowden will be “deeply missed” after she was forced to quit the contest.
It was revealed today that Amy would no longer be partnering JB Gill on the programme owing to a recent medical emergency.
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Amy missed last weekend’s show and was replaced by Lauren Oakley and now the change has been made permanent as she recovers from a foot injury.
Sharing her sympathies towards the star, judge Motsi shared a heartfelt message in which she sent “strength” to the star.
Commenting underneath Amy’s Instagram post, Motsi said: “Dear Amy, your courage and strength inspire us all.
“Taking this step to focus on your health is the most beautiful act of self-care and resilience.
“Know that the entire Strictly family and everyone who loves you are with you every step of the way.
“We miss you deeply on the dance floor, but your well-being is what matters most.
“Sending you all my love, support, and strength as you take this time for yourself.
“Can’t wait to see you shining bright again when you’re ready. Love, Motsi.”
Today, it was confirmed that the medical emergency had forced Amy out of the contest for good.
Amy, who has Crohn’s Disease and has been battling cancer, missed the results programme last week after she was rushed to hospital.
Breaking her silence earlier this evening, Amy said: “My heart is breaking right now. The past few months I finally felt like me again.
“Cancer was no longer the first thing I thought of when I woke up. It was choreography, music choices, which dances in which order, what we needed to work on. I felt free again.
“My goal since hearing those words you have cancer was to get back on the Strictly dance floor. It’s been such a challenge to get back, one I devoted 2024 too.”
She went on to add: “My heart right now is breaking having to pull out of the competition due to a foot injury and I know only too well ‘this too shall pass’ and I’ll be soon better and back dancing.
Amy Dowden’s statement in full
“My heart is breaking right now. The past few months I finally felt like me again. Cancer was no longer the first thing I thought of when I woke up. It was choreography, music choices, which dances in which order, what we needed to work on. I felt free again.
“My goal since hearing those words you have cancer was to get back on the strictly dance floor. It’s been such a challenge to get back, one I devoted 2024 too. Which with my incredible team we got there. Something I wanted to do for myself and loved ones.
“There was no feeling like it dancing again in the ballroom with my strictly family. Then I was partnered with the talented,kind, gentle soul JB. Every day our training room was chilled, hardworking and full of big smiles enjoying what we was creating together with a blossoming friendship.
“JB thank you for being the perfect partner back. We topped the leader board week one and continued to work so hard and thank you for being so passionate about understanding the ballroom and Latin fundamentals.
“For me that rumba will always be one of my favs. I’m so sad, so upset and asking why me, why now that our journey has been cut short. My heart right now is breaking having to pull out of the competition due to a foot injury and I know only too well ‘this too shall pass’ and I’ll be soon better and back dancing.
“Something I’ve had to get used to in my life. I’m sure at some point we will dance again JB To all the fans, to my loved ones, my strictly family thank you.
“JB I know you and Lauren will continue to ace that dance floor I’ll forever be your biggest cheerleader.”
“Something I’ve had to get used to in my life. I’m sure at some point we will dance again JB.”
Her most recent foot injury comes after her fractured foot last November, which occurred whilst rehearsing a dance at home, three days after she finished cancer treatment.
It came after two gruelling rounds of chemotherapy, during which she contracted life-threatening sepsis.
Over the weekend, fans were left in tears as they watched Amy cheer on JB from the clauditorium.
Amy sobbed as Lauren and JB scooped a hugely impressive 39 out of 40 for their routine.
One fan was quick to take to the Strictly forum and wrote: “Amy’s putting on a brave face but she looks crushed. It’s making me cry.”
Strictly Amy’s cancer ‘nightmare’
The Sun’s Jamie Downham takes a look at the beloved Strictly star’s ups and downs…
AS Strictly Come Dancing viewers know, you’ll struggle to catch Amy Dowden without a huge smile on her face.
But recently the Welsh star – one the best-rated Ballroom and Latin American professional dancers the UK has ever produced – has suffered a string of “nightmare” blows to her health.
She was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in May last year and underwent a full mastectomy, before having chemotherapy towards the end of 2023.
However, she later reported docs had found a clot on her lung, telling fans sadly: “Unfortunately I’ve had another nightmare this week.”
Nonetheless, brave Amy, seen here dancing with James Bye, made an epic return to Strictly the following month with an appearance that left many viewers in floods tears.
As 2024 dawned, she admitted: “I feel I was robbed of the year I had planned and reflecting for me makes me upset and angry.”
However, she was soon smiling again. Amy, her hair starting to grow back after her cancer treatment, was seen messing around with her co-stars Dianne Buswell and Vito Coppola on the Strictly tour earlier this month.
And despite another spell in hospital in February, she still mustered a cheeriness many would struggle for, telling fans: “The sun is shining – and I certainly can’t wait for Spring.”
And we certainly can’t wait to see you dancing again, Amy…
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